Bo Diddley

WHO DO YOU LOVE (1956) - UK Pye Releases / USA CHESS
'You look like you been hit by a ugly stick … ha ha ha ha...'
DOWN HOME SPECIAL
I'M A MAN
Bring It To Jerome
DIDDY WAH DIDDY
 I CAN TELL (you don’t love me no more) 1962
WHO DO YOU LOVE
Road Runner - UK Pye 1963
YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY LOOKING AT THE COVER (1963)
BEFORE YOU ACCUSE ME
Not Fade Away Pye 1964
Memphis
MONA

Well what can be added to this man's influence on blues and soul; he was extensively played, virtually all his stuff was played at the original Twisted Wheel in Manchester, then in the late 1960’s at the new  Wheel on Whitworth Street there were a few airings, and the Blue Note followed the tradition.

Born Ellas Otha Bates McDaniels on December 30, 1928, at McComb, MS




The 1950s and early 1960s saw a massive Bo Diddley influence being echoed by both white and black artists. You Can't Judge a Book was often played three or four times by the Wheel DJ – Roger Eagle. His unmistakeable trade mark rhythm beat has been repeatedly copied by Buddy Holly, the Rolling Stones and can still be heard on new releases today.

He started out playing classical violin but after hearing John Lee Hooker, in the early '50s, he began playing and generating Bo’s sound with his long time partner, maraca player Jerome Green. ‘Take it to J E R O M E !!!’ Bo's 'freight train' sound was obtained with this foundation maraca shakin’ beat.


Billy Boy Arnold was with Bo when he was signed to Chess in 1954 and his first single, Bo Diddley/I'm a Man (1955), was a double-sided hit.

You Don't Love Me, Diddley Daddy, Pretty Thing, Diddy Wah Diddy, Who Do You Love? Mona, Road Runner, You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover followed rapidly but the only real chart hit was with Jerome: "Say Man"  Bo Diddley- A Man Amongst Men.