Music Legend Bo Diddley Hospitalized

Legendary singer/songwriter/guitarist Bo Diddley has been hospitalized following a stroke suffered on Sunday May 13, 2006.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and the creator of the distinctive syncopated beat that bears his name, was taken to the emergency room at Creighton University Medical Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The 78-year-old Diddley, who has a history of hypertension and diabetes, showed signs of disorientation following a concert at Harrah’s Casino in Council Bluffs, and was admitted with elevated blood pressure and glucose levels. Tests indicated Diddley had a stroke that affected the left side of his brain, impairing his speech and speech recognition. He remains in intensive care and his condition is listed as “guarded.”

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.

Diddley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 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 a 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.

Press inquires can be made to Susan Clary at Big Monkey PR, scbigmonkey@earthlink.net, (323) 653-4987.

Fans are asked not to contact the hospital but may send well wishes to postmaster@tciartists.com or TCI (Talent Consultants International, Ltd.),105 Shad Row, 2nd Floor, Piermont, NY 10968.