Results tagged “Bo Diddley” from Birmingham Mail - Blog Rockin' Beats

Couldn't let this week pass without paying respect to Rock N' Roll pioneer Bo Diddley, who passed away on Monday aged 79. Now I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I own a lot of his work or that I was a disciple of his music because the truth is, I wasn't. I don't own a single Bo Diddley record.

But my debt, which I suspect is the same for millions of others, to Bo is for the many great bands he inspired. Along with the likes of Chuck Berry and Little Richard, "The Originator" (if ever there was an apt nickname...) helped fashion a sound that would change music forever.

The Rolling Stones were certainly listening and taking notes. Even Buddy Holly (an example for others to follow in his own right) was inspired. Elvis too. Later the likes of Iggy and the Stooges, The Clash, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and the White Stripes barely disguised his influence in some of their work.

His best known songs include Road Runner, Mona and I'm A Man (with it's unforgettable hook). The Stones would go on to cover Crackin' Up while Pills was perfect for the New York Dolls. True fans could probably point me in the right direction of dozens of other great tracks.

In recent years, he continued to play on despite his deteriorating health before succumbing to heart failure.

I may not have appreciated his talent as I should have, but many of my favourite bands did. And for that, I give genuine thanks to The Originator.