Bo Diddley

The Profile

Bo Diddley was an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter widely credited with helping transition the blues into rock and roll, known for his syncopated 'Bo Diddley beat' and distinctive guitar sound.

Born in Mississippi; credited as an originator of rock and roll; famous for the Bo Diddley beat, use of a rectangular Gretsch 'Twang Machine' guitar and maracas (Jerome Green); influenced artists including the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix; opened shows for the Clash in 1979; died in 2008.

Three DeBaser reviews cover Bo Diddley's later and compilation works, praising his foundational Bo Diddley beat and guitar style. Reviewers highlight albums such as The Black Gladiator and Where It All Began and note his deep influence on rock. Overall the coverage is admiring and contextualizes Diddley within rock history.