by WKRG Staff/The Associated Press
Published: Mon, June 02, 2008 - 10:10 am CST
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Rock pioneer Bo Diddley has died. He was 79.A spokeswoman says Diddley died of heart failure today. He had
suffered a heart attack in August 2007, three months after
suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa.
Doctors said the stroke affected his ability to speak, and he
had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation.
The legendary singer and performer was known for his homemade
square guitar, dark glasses and black hat.
His first single, "Bo Diddley," introduced record buyers in
1955 to his signature rhythm: bomp ba-bomp bomp, bomp bomp, often
summarized as "shave and a haircut, two bits." The B side, "I'm
a Man," with its slightly humorous take on macho pride, also
became a rock standard.
Diddley was born Ellas Otha Bates on December 30, 1928 in McComb, Mississippi.
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