Ellas “Bo Diddley” Bates, known to the world as “Bo Diddley” died on June 2, 2008 at the age of 79 of heart failure at his home in Archer, Florida.
Ellas “Bo Diddley” Bates, known to the world as “Bo Diddley” died on June 2, 2008 at the age of 79 of heart failure at his home in Archer, Florida. Garry Mitchell, a grandson of Diddley and one of more than 35 family members at the musician's home when he died at about 1:45 a.m. EDT (05:45 GMT), said his death was not unexpected. "There was a gospel song that was sung and he said 'wow' with a thumbs up," "The song was 'Walk Around Heaven' and in his last words he said that he was going to heaven." Bo Diddley was an African American rock and roll singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Often cited as a key figure in the transition from blues to rock and roll, he introduced more insistent, driving rhythms and a hard-edged guitar sound. He was also known for his characteristic rectangular guitar.