Bo Diddley, 1928-2008

DIDDLEY DEAD AT 79
Rock n' roll pioneer BO DIDDLEY has died from heart failure, aged 79.
The legendary singer passed away on Monday (02Jun08) at his home in Archer, Florida after a long battle with ill health, his spokeswoman Susan Clary has confirmed.
The rocker, born Ellas Bates, suffered a heart attack last August (07), just three months after being struck down by a stroke during his tour of Iowa.
The star is often credited as a key figure in the transition from blues to rock n' roll and was best known for his homemade square guitar, dark glasses and black hat and his signature "shave and a haircut, two bits" rhythm.
He influenced a whole generation of musicians with his innovative use of the electric guitar, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen.
He won a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1999 and was an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Some of his biggest hits include I'm a Man, You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover, Mona, Bo Diddley and Shave and a Haircut.