Bo Diddley Tribute

In my opinion, there were two people who did more to bring R&B, or, the blues, to the masses....largely, white audiences......than Jimmy Reed and Bo Diddley. While their styles were different, they clicked with the young & restless white teenagers, as well as the white musicians who took their styles and ran with them....like Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, The Rolling Stones, and many others. They paved the way for artists like B.B. King, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Little Willie John....and the list goes on. It was fittlng that he was one of the first inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The musicians that followed him owe him a debt of gratitude that will be difficult to repay. As we all know, most of these early "pioneer" artists barely made enough money to go from show-to-show. And, while in demand for our entertainment, were subjected to the harsh (putting it mildly) realities of segregation. Yet, for the love of the music, and the love of entertaining, they persevered. Rest in peace, Bo Diddley. You will be missed.
Sonny Bell
Stafford, VA