I can’t let the passing of Bo Diddley go without giving him a proper tribute. He was an innovator, gun slinger and certainly one of the Great Influencers of all in Rock, Rockabilly and Blues.

With that trademark “Twang Machine” and killer rhythm chops, his influence can be heard as far back as  groups like the Yardbirds and Rolling Stones to more contemporary artists like George Thorogood with remakes of songs like “Who do You Love” a Bo original.

His signature song “Bo Diddley” was a classic in his original shuffle like rhythm style. Also penning such greats as “I’m a Man”, “Love is Strange” and “Gun Slinger”.

Old Bo also worked with many a great artist in collaboration such as his sessions with Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters.

Bo was also in the Movies, as he played a tough haggling Pawn Broker who would only give Dan Akroyd 50 bucks for a rolex watch which his line was “in Philadelphia, it’s worth 50 bucks” a true classic line.

He toured all the way up to 2006 in which he did a benefit concert for the residents of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, victims of Katrina.

He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998, as well as being inducted into musical halls of fame in Washington, Mississippi, North Florida as well as being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame too.

Bo Diddley packed alot into his 79 years and his music and influence will live on for many generations to come. RIP Bo!

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