Real name Ellas McDaniel, Diddley played a key role in the transition from blues to rock and roll, simultaneously inspiring many other major artists like Elvis Presley, The Beatles and The Clash.

Bo Diddley had suffered from an extensive list of health ailments, including diabetes, hypertension and strokes, and his death from a heart failure at his home in Gainesville, Florida on June 2, 2008 was not unexpected. More than 35 family members gathered to say goodbye to the musician, and they sang to him as he passed.

His funeral was held on June 7 and drew a significant crowd, who chanted along with the music. After the service, a concert was held in his name and in the days the followed, tributes were received from then president George Bush as well as from many musicians, such as Ronnie Hawkins, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Elvis Costello and Eric Burdon. He was also posthumously inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, awarded a Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree and most recently was added to the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.