An important transitional figure, a not-so-missing link between Chicago blues and rock and roll. He wrote a handful of great songs and contributed the Bo Diddly shuffle strum, which nearly everyone who plays guitar has used at one time or another. And dig those funky guitars he designed. RIP, brother...

Some people just don't know Diddley. I spent just enough time doing music and whatnot in school to give him a listen and I'm better off having done so.

Underrated rock death. Quite innovative musician with memorable songs and a distinct guitar style.

Bo Diddley was an innovator in the music business who kind of melded the blues with rock and roll. Great performer who toured his entire adult life. RIP Elias McDaniel. (real name)

I first heard Bo Diddley when I was about 10 years old, blatting out of a cheap radio in the machine shop of a friend of my Dads. I've never forgotten that distinctive beat, whether it was coming out of him, or one of the many folks who covered him. He had a good long run, dying at 79, but damn if I'm not going to miss him.