THE ORIGINATOR
from the dirt poor streets of Mississippi to inspiring the world
HISTORY OF BO DIDDLEY
American singer, songwriter, music producer, and guitarist Bo Diddley was one of the greatest influences in the founding of rock and roll, known as “The Originator”. His influence was reflected in artists like Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton. Mick Jagger called Bo Diddley a big influence on the Rolling Stones, describing him as a "one-of-a-kind musician". Known for his use of African rhythms and a five-accent hambone rhythm, Bo Diddley changed the course of hip hop, pop, and rock music as we know it today. His rectangular guitar is a known icon worldwide.
1 DEcember 30 1928 - A STAR WAS BORN
Bo Diddley was born on December 30, 1928 in McComb, Mississippi. His family moved to the primarily Black area of Chicago’s South Side in 1934, where he learned the violin and trombone and was invited to perform in his church's orchestra. His interest in the guitar came from his captivation with and desire to learn the more rhythmic music he heard at the local Pentecostal church. This mission began the Bo Diddley legacy.
Hard times came easy on the streets of Mississippi.
1928-1940
1940-1950
2AFRICAN RYTHMS RUN DEEP
2 During the day, Bo Diddley spent his time as a carpenter and mechanic, playing at night on street corners with the Langley Avenue Jive Cats, a band with his friends. In the long summer days of 1943 and 1944, he played at the Maxwell Street market with Earl Hooker. He is widely known for his "Bo Diddley beat", a distinctive rhythm of bell patterns typically found in sub-Saharan African music traditions. His beat went on to be used by many artists for years to come, including Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away".
