Bo Diddley

Actor · born 30 December 1928 · McComb, Mississippi, USA

Bo Diddley, born Elias Otha Bates, was an original and influential American rock & roll singer, guitarist and songwriter. He was known as "The Originator" because of the key role in the transition from blues music to rock & roll, influencing a host of legendary acts including Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones to name a few.

He introduced more insistent, driving rhythms and hard-edged guitar sound on a wide-ranging catalog of songs.

Where to start: Trading Places (1983).