NPR: The Bo Diddley Beat

The Bo Diddley Beat

Filed under: Music

Musician Bo Diddley passed away yesterday at 79. Today on the BPP, musicologist Ned Sublette guided us on an assisted listen of Diddley's music, to help put his contributions in context. We also put together a little audio montage to emphasize Diddley's musical calling card, the Bo Diddley beat. Take a listen to that beat as it echoes through some more modern pop music...

For those of you keeping score at home, that was...

1. "Bo Diddley" - Bo Diddley
2. "I Want Candy" - Bow Wow Wow
3. "Desire" - U2
4. "She's the One" - Bruce Springsteen
5. "Faith" - George Michael
6. "Bo Diddley" - Bo Diddley

Dan Pashman

9:22 AM ET | 06- 3-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

It's a bit of a stretch, but I think "Kiss" by Prince also has a bit of the Bo Diddley beat. And countless Gospel songs that most of y'all have never heard of (I've played enough of them).

Sent by Matthew Scallon | 1:55 PM ET | 06-03-2008

thanks for introducing me to Bo Diddley! I've heard his stuff over the years but never knew it! I'm definitely excited to listen to more. Thanks

Sent by Michael Wood | 3:52 PM ET | 06-03-2008

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