Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley

About Bo Diddley

"Bo Diddley" is a rhythm and blues and rock and roll song first recorded by Bo Diddley at the Universal Recording Studio in Chicago and released on the Chess Records subsidiary Checker Records in 1955. Written by Diddley, its lyrics are based on the traditional lullaby titled "Hush Little Baby", and it prominently features the Bo Diddley beat that the singer made famous. It became an immediate hit single that stayed on the R&B charts for a total of 18 weeks, 2 of those weeks at #1, and seven more weeks than its flipside (the B-side, "I'm a Man"). It was the first recording to introduce African rhythms into rock and roll directly by using the patted juba beat. It was Diddley's first recording and his first hit single. The song is featured on many of Diddley's compilation albums including His Best. In 2012 the A and B-side pair were added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry list of "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important" American sound recordings. In 2017, the single was inducted in to the Blues Hall of Fame. 


Year:
2017
2:39
#1

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Bo diddley bought his babe a diamond ring
If that diamond ring don't shine
He gonna take it to a private eye
If that private eye can't see
He'd better not take the ring from me

Bo diddley caught a nanny goat
To make his pretty baby a Sunday coat
Bo diddley caught a bear cat
To make his pretty baby a Sunday hat

Mojo come to my house, ya black cat bone
Take my baby away from home
Ugly ole mojo, where ya bin
Up your house, and gone again

Bo diddley, bo diddley have you heard?
My pretty baby said she wasn't for it

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Bo Diddley

Ellas Otha Bates (December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008), known by his stage name Bo Diddley, was an American rhythm and blues vocalist, guitarist, songwriter (usually as Ellas McDaniel), and rock and roll pioneer. He was also known as The Originator because of his key role in the transition from the blues to rock, influencing a host of acts, including Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The Velvet Underground, The Who, The Yardbirds, Eric Clapton,Elvis Presley,The Beatles, and George Michael, among others. He introduced more insistent, driving rhythms and a hard-edged electric guitar sound on a wide-ranging catalog of songs, along with African rhythms and a signature beat (a simple, five-accent rhythm) that remains a cornerstone of rock and pop. Accord… more »

3 fans

Written by: Ellas McDaniel

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Mystery of the Name
"Bo Diddley" is not the singer's original name, but a stage name. He was born as Ellas McDaniel.
Origin of the Song Title
The song is named after a homemade one-stringed instrument used in traditional American folk music, referred to as a "diddley bow."
Unique Beat
"Bo Diddley" is famous for the introduction of the "Bo Diddley beat," a unique rhythm that influenced numerous other artists in the rock 'n' roll, blues, and rock music genres.
Debut Record
The song "Bo Diddley," released in 1955, was the artist's first recording and also became his first hit.
Two-sided Success
The song went on to top the R&B charts, and its back-side track, "I'm a Man," also became a hit.
Influence on Music Genres
The "Bo Diddley beat" has been reused in various genres such as rock, pop, and punk music over the years.
Pop Culture Appearance
The song "Bo Diddley" and its unique rhythm have been featured in numerous movies, commercials, and television shows, further cementing its legacy in pop culture.
Musical Legacy
The song helped shape the transition from blues to rock ‘n’ roll music.
Unconventional Performance
Known for his live performances, Bo Diddley often performed this song with his rectangular guitar, adding to the distinctiveness of the song.
Hall of Fame Recognition
In recognition of his influence on the music industry, Bo Diddley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

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