Bo Diddley 1929-2008

One of the original founders of Rock 'n' Roll is dead today at age 79. Not only was he a pioneer in early rock but he designed his own guitars and even popularized his own signature beat! The famed Bo Diddley beat is featured in many many songs by various artists over the last 50 or so years. Some examples include: Buddy Holly's: Not fade away, Johnny Otis's Willie and the hand jive, and George Thorogood's: Who do you love?

Here is Bo playing a custom guitar against his famed syncopated rhythm:



So put on your favorite version of Willie and the Hand Jive (there are some great ones- Johnny Otis, Eric Clapton, The Greatful Dead, The Clash, Taj Mahal to name a few) turn it up way loud, hoist your glasses, and have one to the memory of a legend.