← Back to explore

Bo Diddley

Acting

Born December 30, 1928 · McComb, Mississippi, USA

Died June 2, 2008

Also known as Elias Otha Bates · The Originator

IMDbWikipedia

Biography

Bo Diddley, born Elias Otha Bates, was an original and influential American rock & roll singer, guitarist and songwriter. He was known as "The Originator" because of the key role in the transition from blues music to rock & roll, influencing a host of legendary acts including Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones to name a few. He introduced more insistent, driving rhythms and hard-edged guitar sound on a wide-ranging catalog of songs.

Awards & recognition

  • Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award · 1998
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame · 1987
  • Florida Artists Hall of Fame
  • Honorary doctorate of the University of Florida

Filmography10 titles

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962as Self

Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World

2023as Self (archive footage)

Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll

1987as Self

Trading Places

1983as Pawnbroker

Sesame Street Jam: A Musical Celebration

1993as Self (segment "Monster in the Mirror")

So Weird

1999as Frank - Special Guest Star

According to Jim

2001as Bo Diddley

Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan

2025as Self (archive footage)

Blues Brothers 2000

1998as The Louisiana Gator Boys

Rockula

1990as Axman