Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley, born Ellas Otha Bates in McComb, Mississippi, was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter whose music helped move blues toward rock and roll. Raised in Chicago, he studied trombone and violin before turning to guitar. He started out playing on street corners and by 1951 had a steady engagement at the 708 Club. His 1955 single Bo Diddley reached number one on the R&B chart, and further hits included Pretty Thing, Say Man, and the song You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover. He also released albums including Bo Diddley Is a Gunslinger and the record Have Guitar, Will Travel. His African-based beat and rectangular guitars influenced many performers. He appeared as Axman in Rockula (1990) and had a cameo in Trading Places (1983). His honors included a 1987 place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a 2003 Blues Hall of Fame induction and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He died in 2008.