Bo Diddley Tribute
This lens is a tribute to 'The Man' who I was lucky enough not only to
* touch his rectangular shaped guitar, and to
* shake his hand, but to actually
* perform with.
RIP, Ellas (Bo Diddley).
Bo Diddley: The Definitive Collection [ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED] Bo Diddley
Bo Diddley
The Definitive Collection
Amazon Price: $10.97 (as of 12/28/2009)
List Price: $13.98
This is truly a Great CD!
I really enjoyed this CD of Rock-n-Roll pioneer Bo Diddley. It beautifully showcases many of his hits. I was most impressed by how well it also shows that he was very spontaneous with his playing and arrangements.
Bo's influence on second generation rock 'n' rollers such as The Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, Animals, and (obviously) Pretty Things insured his work would shape popular music for decades to come.
(taken from Amazon)
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How I Met Bo Diddley - Part 1
Hey Bo Diddley!
Being a musician has it's advantages.Some musicians appreciate the chicks, or the fame, or the lack of a 'real job'. I've always been in it for all the cool experiences that music has led me to.
Don't worry, I'm not about to go off on all the 'good times' and places and people I've met along the way. This lens is just a bout ONE person I've been lucky enough to meet. A man by the name of Ellas Bates McDaniel, or should I say "Bo Diddley".
It was in the mid eighties, when I got the call from a friend of a friend for a gig in Pittsburgh. Not too uncommon of a call, really, until I learned that we would perform a 'warm up' set, then be expected to support the star comming into town for the night, too.
Cool, I thought, I like the Blues and early Rock-N-Roll as much as the next drummer, but when I found out the headliner was (none other than) Bo Diddley, I started frothing at the mouth.
Well, the local band got together for a few practice sessions, so we would be up to snuff on Bo Diddley, and his material.
Truth is NOTHING could have prepared me for that night!
How I Met Bo Diddley - Part 2
The Rehearsal
Bo Diddley arrived in the early afternoon that day.Of course the band was there much earlier to set up and go over our material before our rehearsal with 'The Man'.
I was quite familiar with his boastful persona, one who lays claim to originating Rock n Roll, and always joking and teasing and telling outragious tall tails about his exploits.
It was rather funny to see him arrive and go about his business without all that 'Mojo'. Offstage, I found Bo Diddley to be very quiet, reserved, preferring to watch rather than to be watched.
We were told by another fan that currently, when he is not on the road, he serves as a deputy sheriff in his hometown in Mississippi. Frankly, I could definitely see the authoritarian attitude in his demeanor, and wasn't quite sure what would be expected of us during rehearsal and tonight's performance. Actually, I was just glad that we hadn't met on a back woods rural road in Mississippi, by all the stories I'd heard.
Just after dinner, we took the stage for a quick rehearsal, or so he said. We ran through a few songs where we didn't get to hear much of the Bo Diddley guitar soloing we were looking forward to.
As a matter of fact, he definitely wasn't too 'into' this time of rehearsal. Some players find freedom in 'jamming' while others see it as more of a chore. He was gracious, helpful, and instructive about the specifics of the concert ahead, but wasn't the 'performer' I was expecting.
But did that ever change at showtime!
Spotlight: Bo Diddley -- Living Legend (Paperback)
Bo Diddley -- Living Legend (Paperback) by George White
Bo Diddley: Living Legend
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
List Price: $14.95
Used Price: $14.65
I first discovered the Great Music of Bo Diddley Years ago, and he has become My Classic Rock'n'Roll Idol.
His Music, Wit, & Style Should speak to Everyone! Of course, after getting all the great tunes, There was a search for a good Biography.
George White's Book from the Mid nineties is the Only one! Culled from extensive interviews, many with Bo himself, tells the story of the man.
Great Pics & a Clear discography included.
How I Met Bo Diddley - Part 3
Bo Diddley in Concert
Of course the club was packed. It was declared a sold-out show! For any musician that makes for a great night, but for us, we didn't care if ANYBODY came... we got to play with the Rock-N-Roll legend, Bo Diddley!The schedule was unannounced, and it was a good thing it was, because it did not go anywhere close to the plan. We had the opening set, playing just shy of an hour, then intermission. (This was a table and chairs, 'club' setting, not a concert hall.
Then after the break we took the stage to play the intro music as they announced Bo Diddley. Everyone was so psyched! And from behind the drums I think I was the most shocked of all!
The man who came up the center isle and plugged in his rectangular guitar was NOT the man I had spent most of the day with. No where close! This new man, dressed the same and looked the same, but had an energy and charisma that defied his sixty some years. Needless to say I was pumped!
'The Man' was to play a forty-five minute set, plus encore (s?), with no promise of autographs or meet-and-greets. But as his set progressed, he began to massively enjoy the crowd, and (as he said) the band, and that night's Mojo.
We went a solid hour straight, filled with laughs, and tales, and classic songs and the best dirty guitar riffs imaginable.
Playing the drums, I was on the platform behind him watching him romance the crowd with his signature "Bo Diddley Beat", and mixing in some blues and rock to drive the crowd crazy. And crazy they went, too when he, much to the surprise of the band and the management, closed off his set by telling everyone to get something to drink so they will be ready for the "second half".
Now, who was I to tell this legend that he wasn't getting paid for a 'second half'. But the man was juiced. And I get the feeling that when Bo Diddley is 'in the Mojo' there is NO STOPPING HIM.
And did I get angry or ask for more money for more work? No way! I went backstage grateful for more private stories and more time on stage with this veteran.
Bo Diddley
Bo Diddley
How I Met Bo Diddley - Part 4
Bo Diddley Concert - Round Two
And did Bo Diddley outdo himself in the concert's round two?Yes.
Backstage he asked us if we would be up to just jamming through the second half. Truth is, we had already gone through all of the practiced material.
Frankly, the second half of this show was like a dream to me. There was no longer anything to prove to this audience. They had stayed around to see this master really pour on the Mojo. And he was brilliant.
The rhythms were exhilarating, the solos, personal and dynamic, and his command of the show was masterful. At one point he dropped his signature guitar from his shoulder so he could sit beside the (pretty) piano player and pound out a number of licks there, too.
But I will never forget when he climbed the drum pedestal, took my extra pair of sticks and showed this crowd all about his "Bo Diddly Beat" He had his turn, then invited me back to play along, too. Then finally, when the crowd cooled off a little, returned to finish the tune with ripping the wildest solo I have heard. Boy, that man was hot!
At the end, he (and all of us) was so tired, he decided to just tell a story for the encore. And, it's funny but the crowd enjoyed it just the same.
Spotlight: Bo Diddley, His Best : The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection
Bo Diddley
His Best : The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
List Price: $18.98
Used Price: $4.50
Bo Diddley is without a doubt one of the most influential musicians in the history of rock and roll. That trademark "Chunka Chunka" guitar riff of his was probably copied more times, by more bands, than any other guitar line. What I liked about Diddley was not only his ability to make rock and roll, but also his equal talent with making great blues. It's only fitting that his first single was Bo Diddley/I'm A Man, with rock and roll on one side, and the blues of "I'm a Man on the other. This has to rank as the most influential two sided single in history.
So says the man on "You Can't Judge A Book By Lookin' At The Cover." He's right. Turn this UP. Get it to the point where Bo's guitar is vibrating your entire house. Let it shake all the dust out of the floorboards. Make your neighbors call the police. This music is worth a night in jail.
(taken from Amazon page)
How I Met Bo Diddley - Part 5
Bo Diddley Story's Epilog
There are two interesting little stories that stick out in my mind concerning my experience with Bo Diddley.First is how absolutely enamored this young lady was with the man, and how he brought her up on the stage to dance along to the music. Security didn't take to this so well, but there is not much can be said to Bo Diddley, when he sets his mind to something.
As a working musician, I have taken on many roles in various places. It just so happens that at the time of this show I was also working in a local church playing music.
Well, as this beautiful young lady (who had a few drinks that night) began to 'do her thing' as Bo Diddley played for her, ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT was the hope that rose in my heart that this girl would KEEP HER CLOTHES ON!
Laugh, if you must, but I DO NOT KNOW HOW I could explain to the old church ladies about all the pictures of this naked dancing girl and ME IN THE BACKGROUND! It was bad enough, at the time, to convince them that Rock and Roll wasn't 'of the Devil'!
The other story that I will leave you with is how very gracious Bo Diddley was to give me an autograph right on the drum head he wow-ed the crowd with that night.
I cherish that drum head with his message to this day, and while I know what his unique comment and autograph would be worth on the open market, I could never give it up.
Bo Diddley Links
Bo Diddley
PopEntertainment.com: Bo Diddley interview
Sep 25, 2004 ... Zoran Misetic of PopEntertainment more...2 points
BO DIDDLEY - The Originator
For all booking information and any other enquirie more...0 points
Bo-Diddley.com
After beginning his career as a boxer, where he re more...0 points
Bo Diddley
Bo Diddley broke new ground in rock and roll%u2019 more...0 points
Bo Diddley - 1000 Great Guitar Sites on the Web
He only had a few hits in the 1950s and early '60s more...0 points
Bo Diddley Page
Bo Diddley had most of his success in the music bu more...0 points
Pioneer of a Beat Is Still Riffing for His Due - New York Times
Every morning at 4 a.m., Bo Diddley walks into a r more...0 points
Bo Diddley : Rolling Stone
Dec 9, 2004 ... Home : Music News : Bo Diddley. RS more...0 points
Bo Diddley, Mississippi musician, Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame
Life/biography of Bo Diddley, hit songs of Bo Didd more...0 points
Bo Diddley
Bo Diddley was born "Ellas Bates" on Dec more...0 points
Bo Diddley - AOL Music
Bo Diddley official AOL Music site for Bo Diddley more...0 points
Bo Diddley on Wikipedia
Bo Diddley
Bo Diddley (December 30, 1928 ? June 2, 2008), is the stage name for Ellas Otha Bates, an American rock and roll vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter. He was known as "The Originator" because of his key role in the transition from the blues to rock & roll, influencing a host of legendary acts including Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton. He introduced more insistent, driving rhythms and a hard-edged guitar sound on a wide-ranging catalog of songs. Accordingly, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Rhythm and Blues Foundation and a Grammy Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He was known in particular for his technical innovations, including his trademark rectangular guitar.
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- Puppetpourri Puppetpourri Jun 30, 2008 @ 12:31 am
- Great story. Thanks for the great lens worth 5 stars!
Thanks,
Puppetpourri
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