Hey, Bo Diddley!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Add another one to the list of great musicians that I've passed up an opportunity to see, only to have them die before ever re-entering my immediate vicinity: Johnny Cash (I had the flu), Ike Turner (I couldn't get off work), and now Bo Diddley (I don't even remember why now).
From the AP wire:
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock 'n' roll whose distinctive "shave and a haircut, two bits" rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians, died Monday after months of ill health. He was 79.
Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Fla., spokeswoman Susan Clary said. He had suffered a heart attack in August, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa. Doctors said the stroke affected his ability to speak, and he had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation.
The legendary singer and performer, known for his homemade square guitar, dark glasses and black hat, was an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, had a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and received a lifetime achievement award in 1999 at the Grammy Awards. In recent years he also played for the elder President Bush and President Clinton.
Diddley appreciated the honors he received, "but it didn't put no figures in my checkbook."
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," he quipped.
Here's a little BO to help you through this hard time, with the almighty DUCHESS rocking a solid rhythm keep your asses warm:
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Posted by matt (Matt Armstrong) on June 2, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Damn! Harvey Korman, Yves St. Laurent, and now this. Even death is working in the economy size these days.
Posted by scary_manilow (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't forget the guy who invented the Pringles can. Apparently he liked the design so much he's having his ashes stored in one. Seriously!
I can tell from the sheer volume of comments on this blog that the people who visit this site have even worse taste than I originally thought. Isn't there anyone else in Larryville who appreciates this sort of thing? Sheesh.
Posted by smerdyakov (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Trying to goad people to comment on YOUR blog? Success!
Post more blogs like THIS: http://www.hotchickswithdouchebags.com/
and the comment love will be overwhelming.
Posted by scary_manilow (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shitfire. Now that I've clicked that link, I'll never be able to UN-click it. Now I'm off to the store for some eye bleach. Thanks!
Posted by bloozman (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The obits pretty well detailed the variety of artists who stole (often with great results) Bo's signature beat. I recommend Bo himself covering Buddy Holly's theft on "Not Fade Away." It's on his "20th Anniversary of Rock and Roll" album from 1976. Featured artists on the album include Albert Lee, Alvin Lee, Elvin Bishop, Leslie West and Keith Moon, among others.
Posted by DOTDOT (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not going to comment because for some strange reason I wouldn't admit to even if I understood it, it irks me to my marrow when we agree on anything musical. That and my appreciation for one of the founders of the music I love not only pre-dates your blog, but your whole ass too.
RIP Bo Diddley.
Posted by THX1138 (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bo played at Lawrence High's prom, Class of 1964.
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