Ellas McDaniel (born Ellas Otha Bates, 30 December 1928 – 2 June 2008) took the stage name Bo Diddley and was a blues and R&B singer, songwriter and musician. He’s noted for his great rhythms and guitar work. For years, he studied violin, but when he heard John Lee Hooker perform in Chicago, he switched to guitar.

Diddley achieved some success in Chicago during the 1950s, winning a record contract with Checker, a subsidiary of Chess Records. That contract produced his first R&B hit, “I’m a Man.” He enjoyed continued success well into the 1960s, when pop music began to change. Although his record sales were down, he remained a popular live act.

Didley is named as an influencer by artists like Buddy Holly, Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, the Doors and the Who.