There will always be only ONE Bo Diddley. He didn’t look or sound like anyone else in 1955 when his debut single on Checker Records (Checker 814) was dropped on an unsuspecting world and in 2008, he was still as unique as ever. The glasses, the jacket, the square guitar and that beat. Oh, that beat. I think Bo’s legacy will be that infectious “Bo Diddley Beat” that has crossed generational lines and is as catchy today as ever. The beat was largely based on the African “hambone” rhythm, but Bo really made it his trademark right from the start.

Ellas Otha Bates McDaniel was 79 years old when he passed away in the wee hours of Monday, June 2, 2008. He died of heart failure. In recent years, Bo had survived a stroke and a heart attack. He was a survivor, who endured long after the hit records stopped coming. He continued to tour and musically innovate. His recent work involved new sounds, beats and even hip hop influences. Bo never settled on playing his breakthrough hit “Bo Diddley” over and over on the oldies circuit. He was always striving for the next “thing”. Maybe now, he’s finally found it? Music lovers everywhere will miss this father of rock n’ roll, this one of a kind. Our music needs more unique individuals like Mr. Diddley.

Tonight on the Night Prowl Show, Matt The Cat will honor the music and legacy of the GREAT Bo Diddley. Don’t miss a single “beat”.

Rest in peace, Bo. You may be silenced, but the “beat” goes on….forever!

-Matt The Cat