The following press release was issued on Tuesday August 28th 2007:
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Musical Legend Bo Diddley Back in Hospital
Legendary singer/songwriter/guitarist Bo Diddley suffered a heart attack during a routine medical checkup on Friday August 24, 2007.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, the creator of the distinctive, syncopated beat that bears his name, was undergoing a regularly scheduled visit to his doctor when he complained of dizziness and nausea. He was immediately taken to the emergency room at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, where he suffered a heart attack.
Diddley was operated on and fitted with a stent to help blood flow to his heart; this morning he was moved from intensive care to cardiac care and is listed in stable condition.
Bo Diddley’s music has been a foundation of rock music since he topped the R&B charts with the eponymous “Bo Diddley” in 1955. His other hits, including “Who Do You Love,” “Before You Accuse Me,” Mona” and “I’m A Man,” have been covered by the Rolling Stones, Doors, Eric Clapton and the Yardbirds, but that barely scratches the surface of his influence. The memorably chunky rhythm that drove those songs has been used by just about anyone who’s written a rock song; examples include The Who’s “Magic Bus,” Bruce Springsteen’s “She’s The One,” and Elvis Costello’s “Lover’s Walk” just to name a few.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in 1987 and was given a lifetime achievement Grammy in 1998. His unique stage presence, with thick black glasses and low-slung boxy guitar, made him an enduring concert attraction and led to numerous movie appearances, including “Trading Places,” “Hail! Hail! Rock and Roll,” and “Blues Brothers 2000.”
Medical updates will be made as the situation warrants. Bo’s family and friends would like to thank his fans for the outpouring of cards, letters and good wishes that followed his stroke last May; at this time they ask the public to respect the family’s privacy. Press inquires can be made to Susan Clary at Big Monkey PR, scbigmonkey@earthlink.net, (323) 653-4987.
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Our thoughts and our prayers are with BO DIDDLEY, his family and friends at this time.
