To The Memory Of Bo Diddley

Ellas Otha Bates (later McDaniel, after adoption), passed away today leaving the “Bo Diddley beat” I first heard on the recording “Bo Diddley.” I heard it twice in a row in our car as I came across the long, long causeway through the swamp out to where I lived. The dj at WICC, where I would eventually work, said another dj came in and wanted to hear it. I suspect he had nothing else ready.

His beat, described as an African 5/4 rhythm, was adopted by many musicians. I loved it. I think the AP’s opening sentence for their article is just great: “Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock 'n' roll whose distinctive ‘shave and a haircut, two bits’ rhythm…” That probably describes his innovative style better than any other way.

He had many honors, this legendary singer and performer, known for his homemade square guitar who also played for the elder President Bush and President Clinton.

He appreciated the honors he received, “but it didn't put no figures in my checkbook. If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey,” he quipped.

“You gotta think in terms of what people's lives is based on." He took his own advice: Many of Bo Diddley's most famous songs were about Bo Diddley. “Bo Diddley bought his babe a diamond ring…” Or these lyrics from one song: “Bo Diddley caught a nanny goat, To make his pretty baby a Sunday coat.” And, “Bo Diddley caught a bear cat, To make his pretty baby a Sunday hat.”