Bo Diddley dies of heart failure

Bo Diddley, one of the founding fathers of rock 'n' roll music, died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Florida on June 2. The 79-year-old music legend was admitted to intensive care in Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha after suffering a stroke last year.

Born as Ellas Otha Bates in McComb, he adopted the surname of his mother's cousin Gussie McDaniel, who raised him, thus becoming Ellas McDaniel. He was known by his nick name Bo Diddley.

The legendary guitarist and singer composed lots of hit songs including "Pretty Thing", "Say Man","Who Do You Love," "Bo Diddley," "Bo Diddley's a Gunslinger," "Before You Accuse Me," "Mona," and "You Can't Judge a Book By the Cover". 11 full-length albums of Bo Diddley were released by Checker Records between 1958 and 1963.

Bo Diddley received lots of accolades for his invaluable contribution to rock 'n' roll music. He was inducted into the Washington Area Music Association's Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame. He was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. He also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.