Legendary guitarist Bo Diddley has died at age 79. The AP calls him “a founding father of rock ‘n’ roll whose distinctive ‘shave and a haircut, two bits’ rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians,” while Billboard notes his contribution to the essential ingredients of contemporary music, saying his fuzzy, distorted guitar sound “perfectly complimented his frenetic songs, which he played on a homemade square guitar while decked out in dark sunglasses and a black hat. Similarly, his rhythmic, boastful vocal style predated rap by several decades.” Across the pond, the UK Guardian also acknowledges Diddley’s influence, saying his “signature “hambone” beat provided one of the original and most enduring rhythms in rock… [and provided] the foundations from which many musicians – including the British invasion bands of the 1960s – have built.”
After the jump, some videos.
Bo Diddley – “Road Runner” (1960 TV footage)
Bo Diddley – Undated footage accurately described as “AMAZING!”
Bo Diddley – “Bo Diddley”
