You know, it’s pretty easy to be a rock musician these days - maybe not quite like it was in the roaring 90s, where anybody with just a guitar and a pretty face could get a record contract – but it’s still basically a no brainer.
In 1952, it was not easy to be a rock musician - hell, rock n roll didn’t even have a name yet. But it’s always been common for innovation to face an uphill battle to make its way to the forefront.
However, in the early 50s, youth culture started longing for something more. Something that was truly their own, instead of hand-me-down culture fed to them from their parents’ generation. And it all started with this beat.
Dubbed the “Bo Diddley beat,” the rumba-style rhythm became the clarion call of this new era of youth culture music. Diddley said he created the rhythm quite by accident, while trying to play Gene Autry's "(I've Got Spurs That) Jingle, Jangle, Jingle," and in turned stumbled upon a staple of this new genre which would be employed by generations of rock musicians - from Buddy Holly all the way to bands like The Rolling Stones, and The Stooges.
Diddley was also one of the first guitarists to truly start tinkering with his sound, and his extensive use of rushing tremolo and reverb effects gave his songs a unique, immediate, and almost euphoric atmosphere to them. He also designed his box shaped guitars which became synonymous with Bo Diddley’s persona. Even beyond his innovative approach to the musicality of his band, Diddley’s lyrics forged new ground as well.
While many singers were still rehashing R&B and country standards and trying to put their own spin on these older tunes (Elvis comes to mind), Diddley took an entirely different approach. Songs like Who Do You Love, with angst and rebellion contained in lyrics like “I’m just 22 and I don’t mind dying” and “take it easy honey – don’t give me no lip” would later spawn the internalized rage often showcased in genres like punk rock and metal.
So when people think about modern "cool" is, what do people typically think of? Well, rock stars come to mind. And what makes modern rock stars cool - is it rebellion? Check. Anti status-quo attitude? Check. Loud, fast guitar and lyrics about being a badass? Check.
People often proclaim that “Bo Diddley was the godfather of rock n roll,” but they’re really only giving you half the story. Bo Diddley really was the godfather of modern cool – his influence, by way of his approach to music and style which consistently flew in the face convention, paved a way for generations upon generations of musicians and tastemakers alike to ride along smoothly, via the achievements of a man who was truly larger than life.
Thanks for the music Bo, you’ll truly be missed.
