Bo Diddley 1928 - 2008

On 2 June 2006 1 of the pioneers of rock & roll, Bo Diddley (born Ellas Otha Bates later Ellas McDaniel), died at aged 79.

On 20 November 1955 he made his only appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. He was asked to perform Tennessee Ernie Ford's Sixteen Tons, instead he performed Hey, Bo Diddley. Naturally this angered Ed Sullivan who banned him from ever appearing again.

This song was a big influence on the song Willie & the Hand Jive. His style influenced a lot of musicians & songs. Way too many to list. The same is true about the covers of his songs.

Another big hit of his that has been often covered was Who Do You Love?

Not every song he wrote was for himself. Using the name of his wife at the time, Ethel Smith, he co-wrote a song that was miles away from his usual style. He helped write the song that became a big hit for Mickey & Sylvia, Love Is Strange.

This song was covered by a wide variety of people. Here is a 1964 cover version of Love Is Strange by Caesar and Cleo (aka Sonny & Cher):