One of my friends from SXSW, Andy, had a funny quip when I mentioned that I miss a good rhythm and blues riff (not found with the new bands).
He simply said “that’s because you’re old” in his thick Edinburgh accent.
It’s true, I grew up eons ago on the Southside of Chicago. We regularly saw great blues acts, like Buddy Guy, Ko Ko Taylor and Bo Diddley, at P.J. Flahertys on 95th. My friend Brian Finn worked the door and I never paid a cover, and hardly ever paid for a drink with Patty behind the bar.
In particular, I recall the Bo Diddley show – he was a man amongst men on stage. Pure self-imposed greatness (he hardly got the credit he deserved), even his first hit was titled “Bo Diddley”, followed years later by “Hey Bo Diddley” and “Diddling”.
His music was covered by big acts, like the Beatles and Stones, who were looking to re-invent the Chicago style. And by George Thorogood who brought “Who do you love?” into the mainstream . His notes were used by everyone – Elvis, U2, The Animals, The Clash, The Stooges and dozens more.
I hope Bo found love in life, because his music was an amazing part of mine. I was fortunate to have his talents in “my backyard”, and I think he deserves credit as the father of Rock and Roll
RIP, Bo Diddley.
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Funny, on the way in I just heard Mike North ask “who’s Bo Diddley?” and refute that the blues gave birth to Rock and Roll. If Mike North says it, it must be true.
What a maroon he is.
Don’t worry. He also said that the 86 Celtics would probably beat the world championship 1996 Bulls, they of the 72-10 record. you could say that he was on a roll.
You were pretty lucky to see him live. Bo Diddley that is, not Mr. North.
Yeah, North is all over the place, like the plague. So many writers earn a living by being the idiot in the room. Like Mariotti for instance.
North can’t write his name. Mariotti is an a$$wipe, but at least he can write.
Correction…at least he can blog.
North is a glorified hot dog salesman. Without the glorification.
Mmmmm hot dogs.
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