Bo Diddley: Rock and Roll Pioneer Dies at 79

Bo Diddley was an American guitarist and singer who helped create rock and roll. Born Ellas Otha Bates on December 30, 1928, in McComb, Mississippi, he grew up in Chicago.

His signature Bo Diddley beat, a syncopated rhythm, drove songs such as "Bo Diddley," "Who Do You Love?" and "Mona." He played a rectangular guitar of his own design and influenced the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds, Buddy Holly and others. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

He received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1999. Bo Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Florida, on June 2, 2008, at age 79.

Achievements: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987), Lifetime Achievement Grammy (1999).

Birth: December 30, 1928 - McComb, Mississippi.

Profession: Guitarist and singer.

Interesting Facts: He built his own rectangular guitar.