Bo Diddley, the stage name of Ellas Otha Bates was known as "the originator." His influences on rock n' roll are evident through bands and musicians such as: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, Buddy Holly, and Jimi Hendrix. Diddley is best known for his transitions from blues to rock n' roll. Mickey Hart, one of the two drummers for the Grateful Dead said on June 2nd, 2008, to NME.com the day of Diddley's death, "that the defining 'Bo Diddley-beat' was the bedrock for thousands of bands including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, and countless others. His slashing rhythm guitar brought the most powerful rhythms from west Africa into rock 'n roll," said Hart. Hart also that "when I was 14 years old I happened to wander into a club and have the opportunity to play my first public performance with the master. It seems his drummer was late and asked if there was drummer in the house. That moment will always be with me." Tom Petty is a great fan of Bo Diddley and his musical talents. Tom Petty answered questions in 1997 on-line from fans. One of the questions was: 'You've played with a lot of legendary rockers. Any others you would like to play with?" Tom Petty immediately answered, "Bo Diddley". At the 1997 Fillmore shows, the band often played the Bo Diddley song "Diddy Wah Diddy". When introducing the song, Tom Petty said:
"There is no one we admire in the whole world more than Mr. Bo Diddley. If Bo Diddley was English, I think he should be knighted. Actually, this country should build a monument in every State to Bo Diddley. Elvis is King, But Diddley is Daddy."Tom Petty received his wish when Bo Diddley opened for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and joined them on-stage in April of 1999.
(Bo Diddley feature in the "Bo Knows" Nike commercials.
Tom Petty and The Heartbrakers featuring Bo Diddley in the song "Mona" in 1999.
Bo Diddley performing "Bo Diddley"
Yo, nice post, Boaz. I had no idea how inspirational Bo Diddley was, but I've always enjoyed Tom Petty's music, so this was really entertaining to read.
ReplyDeleteYou really get to the heart of the African-American influence on Rock'n Roll, using quotations and evidence from outside research. Personally, I never realized how over-arching certain influences can be, and the breadth of the impact Bo Diddley and other African-Americans had on music throughout the 20th century is really quite substantial. Nice post, man.
ReplyDeleteI was really interested in this post because I am a fan of The Beatles, The Stones, and Hendrix. I had no idea that Bo Diddley had such a great influence on rock n' roll, however and the fact that he did is amazing. Really cool post Bo!
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