## The Rhythmic Originator
Bo Diddley was the man who gave rock and roll its most primal rhythm—the ‘Bo Diddley beat’. With his custom rectangular guitars and his mix of blues, African rhythms, and showmanship, he was a bridge between tradition and the future. He was an innovator who didn’t care about following the rules, creating a sound that was as unique as his personality.
## June 2, 2008
At the age of 79, Bo Diddley died from heart failure at his home in Florida. He had been recovering from a stroke but passed away peacefully. His death was a loss for the rhythmic foundation of American music, as the world mourned a man whose influence was felt in everything from The Rolling Stones to The Clash.
## Who Do You Love? Bo Diddley Forever
Bo Diddley’s legacy is the pulse of modern music. You can hear his beat in thousands of songs across dozens of genres. He was a true original who helped to invent the modern world of sound. Bo Diddley is gone, but the ‘Chug-a-lug’ of his guitar still drives us to move. The Originator has found his rest, but the beat goes on and on.