Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley Biography
Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter (1928–2008)
Bo Diddley, with his infectious rhythms and strong guitar work, was one of the early pioneers of rock and roll music.

Synopsis
Born in 1928, Bo Diddley studied violin for years, but after hearing the music of blues legend John Lee Hooker, he switched to the guitar. Landing a record contract in 1955, Diddley reached the top 40 with ‘Pretty Things’ in 1956. Other famous songs include ‘Who Do You Love,’ ‘Mona,’ and ‘Before You Accuse Me.’ In 1987, Diddley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Profile
Singer, songwriter, musician and rock pioneer. Bo Diddley was born Ellas Bates (some reports say Otha Ellas Bates) on December 30, 1928, in McComb, Mississippi.

Bo Diddley, with his infectious rhythms and strong guitar work, was one of the early pioneers of rock and roll music. At a young age, he was sent to live with one of her cousins, Gussie McDaniel, in Chicago.

McDaniel adopted him and he took her last name. For years, he studied violin. Then after hearing the music of blues legend John Lee Hooker, he switched to the guitar. Diddley attended vocational school for a time, learning how to make violins and guitars. But he eventually dropped out.