Died On This Date (June 2, 2008) Bo Diddley / Blues Icon
themusicsover Bo Diddley (Born Ellas Otha Bates)
December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008
Known as “The Originator,” Bo Diddley was arguably THE flash point of rock ‘n roll. He took the blues and injected a shot of the devil into it, forever bridging the gap between the two art forms. As a singer, guitarist and songwriter, Diddley was a direct influence on many of the greatest artists in rock history. The “Bo Diddley Beat” directly inspired the likes of Buddy Holly, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, the Who, the Grateful Dead, U2, George Thorogood, Elton John and countless others. Bo Diddley died of heart failure on June 2, 2008. He was 79.
What You Should Own
Lesley Duncan was a moderately successful English folk singer during the late ’60s and ’70s. After working on her own during the early part of her career, Duncan hooked up with Elton John in 1970 to sing a duet of her “Love Song” which appeared on his Tumbleweed Connection album. It remains one of just a handful of songs John recorded that was penned by someone outside of his and Bernie Taupin’s creative circle. Duncan went on to provide backing vocals on such albums as John’s Madman Across The Water, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and the Alan Parsons Project’s Eve. During the ’70s, she lent her vocal talents to recordings by 
Vivian Stanshall was, among other things, an eccentric English musician, songwriter and singer. He is perhaps best remembered a founding member of the eclectic psychedelic jazz rock band, Bonzo Dog Band. Formed in 1962 while Stanshall was in art school, the ensemble soon became popular thanks, in part to its vaudeville-type live shows and revolving group of invited guests. That list included Eric Clapton, Elton John, and Eric Idle. Of note to current indie rock fans, Death Cab For Cutie is also the title of a song written by Stanshall. As the band’s popularity increased, so did the demand for their live show. It has been reported that Stanshall battled with stage fright and increasing panic attacks so he turned to prescription drugs and alcohol for release. That, plus the others getting burned out by the heavy touring schedule, lead to their break-up in 1970. Following the Bonzo Dog Band, Stanshall continued to form other, but less notable bands over the next several years. On March 5, 1995, Vivian Stanshall died in his bed as the result of a fire due to faulty wiring. He was 51 years old.
