Bo Diddley joins the Legends in Rock 'N' Roll Heaven

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bo Diddley died today of heart failure in Archer, Florida. The 79-year old Diddley suffered a heart attack in August 2007, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa. The stroke affected his ability to speak, and he had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation.

Diddley's trademarks were his homemade square guitar, dark glasses and black hat. His first single, “Bo Diddley,” introduced record buyers in 1955 to his signature rhythm: bomp ba-bomp bomp, bomp bomp, often summarized as “shave and a haircut, two bits.” The B side, “I'm a Man,” with its slightly humorous take on macho pride, also became a rock standard.