Diddley, Bo

In the early 1950s, Diddley's band had progressed to playing electric blues and rhythm and blues (R&B) in local clubs. Their set was rooted in the music of such blues greats as John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters.

Then Diddley was signed to Chicago's Checker/Chess label in 1955, his music fitting in well with the urban blues of the era. His first hit, “I'm a Man” backed with “Bo Diddley,” rose to...