"When I leave this Earth, man, they'll know I've been here..."

2005

BO DIDDLEY celebrates his 50th anniversary in music.

He chats on-line to his fans and admirers around the world, as the Soul-Patrol.com website hosts a special chat session with him to mark US Black History Month. He performs at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon. He performs at a benefit concert for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in Jackson, Mississippi. He performs at the inaugural Koko Taylor Celebrity Aid Foundation benefit concert at Chicago's House of Blues, to raise funds to provide social services to the arts and entertainment industry. He makes a special guest appearance on the debut album released by funk/rock band Munkeez Strikin Matchiz. His circa 1945 home-made guitar is one of the Top Ten Memorabilia Items to go on display at the opening of the Hard Rock Cafe New York. Uncut magazine includes him as one of its "100 Greatest Guitar Heroes". Rock musician Lou Reed includes his 1955 singles "Bo Diddley"/"I'm A Man" (Checker 814) and "Bring It To Jerome"/"Pretty Thing" (Checker 827) in a listing of his "Favorite 100 Singles". Music journalist Bruce Pollock writing in his book "Rock Song Index: The 7,500 Most Important Songs of the Rock & Roll Era, 1944-2000" includes his songs "Before You Accuse Me", "Bo Diddley", "Crackin' Up", "Diddley Daddy", "Diddy Wah Diddy", "Here 'Tis", "Hey Bo Diddley", "I'm A Man", "Mona", "Pretty Thing", "Say Man", "Who Do You Love" and "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover", Mickey & Sylvia's 1956 recording of his song "Love Is Strange" and Ten Years After's live 1969 recording of his song "I'm Going Home" (aka "Down Home Special"). Australian author Toby Cresswell writing in his book "1,001 Songs: The Great Songs of All-Time and The Artists, Stories and Secrets Behind Them" includes his songs "Bo Diddley" and "Who Do You Love". In a special publication marking 50 years of pop music, Germany's daily newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung lists his original recordings of his songs "Bo Diddley", "Who Do You Love" and "Say Man" among its Top 1,000 Songs. In a Valentine's Day Special, Internet R&B station Powerhouse Radio includes Mickey & Sylvia's 1956 recording of his song "Love Is Strange" in its "100 Dynamite Duets". Visitors to the DigitalDreamDoor.com website nominate his 1955 debut single "Bo Diddley"/"I'm A Man" (Checker 814) into Number 1 position in the "100 Greatest Rock Debut Singles"; the singles were chosen and ranked based upon their initial and lasting popularity and their impact and influence on rock & roll and its related genres. Visitors to the DigitalDreamDoor.com website nominate his songs "Bo Diddley", "Who Do You Love" and "I'm A Man" amongst the "200 Greatest Rock & Roll Songs of the 1950s", his recordings of his songs "Road Runner", "Say Man", "Crackin' Up" and "I'm Sorry" amongst the "100 Greatest Recordings From 1959", his recording of his song "Ride On Josephine" amongst the "100 Greatest Recordings From 1960", his recording of the song "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover" amongst the "100 Greatest Recordings From 1962" and the Yardbirds' recording of his song "I'm A Man" amongst the "100 Greatest Recordings From 1965". Visitors to the DigitalDreamDoor.com website nominate his 1958 recording of his song "The Clock Strikes Twelve" and Little Walter & His Jukes' 1955 recording of his song "Roller Coaster" amongst the "100 Greatest Blues Instrumentals", his song "I'm A Man" as one of the "Top Ten Songs By The Yardbirds" and his song "Who Do You Love" as one of the "Top Ten Songs By George Thorogood". Q magazine lists Dawn Penn's recording of his song "You Don't Love Me (No No No)" amongst its "Ultimate Music Collection". Mickey & Sylvia's 1956 recording of his song "Love Is Strange" is inducted into the rec.music.rock-pop-r+b.1950s Internet newsgroup's Great Singles wing of its Hall of Fame. Q magazine lists his 1955 recording of his song "Bo Diddley" as one of its "100 Greatest Guitar Tracks Ever!". He performs his song "Bo Diddley" at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's 20th Annual Induction Ceremony. In a special issue to mark its 10th year of publication, the German language edition of Rolling Stone magazine names his songs "Bo Diddley", "Who Do You Love" and "I'm A Man" amongst its "500 Best Songs of All-Time". In a special issue to mark 50 years of rock & roll, Rolling Stone magazine names him as one of "The Immortals - The 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time". He is featured in a major article in Rolling Stone magazine. The Italian rock music magazine Blow Up lists his 1990 retrospective CD box set "The Chess Box" as one of its "600 Essential Albums". Gretsch Guitars release the G6199 Billy F Gibbons-BO DIDDLEY "Billy-Bo" Jupiter Thunderbird signature model guitar, a reproduction of the guitar which Gretsch had custom-built for him in 1959. His recordings of his songs "Bo Diddley" and "I'm A Man" and the Pretty Things' recording of his song "Road Runner" are featured on the soundtrack of the UK TV documentary "My Best Friend... Mick Jagger". Q Classic magazine lists his 1997 compilation CD "Bo Diddley-His Best" as one of its "Essential Blues Buyers' Guide" to the 75 Blues Greats' Best Albums. He appears on the front cover of Rockabilly Monthly magazine. In San Francisco, California, the soul/funk/pop girl group The Duchess form and name themselves after Norma-Jean Richardson aka Duchess, former member of his band between the years 1962 and 1966. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of his debut single "Bo Diddley"/"I'm A Man", the 2 tracks are reissued in the UK on special limited edition CD and 7" single. Record Collector magazine includes The Misunderstood's 1966 recording of his song "Who Do You Love" in its "100 Greatest Psychedelic Records". Uncut magazine includes his 1958 debut album "Bo Diddley" in its listing of the "100 Music, Movie & TV Moments That Have Changed The World". His song "Bo Diddley" is listed as one of the "Top 500 Most Influential Rock Songs" in Western Michigan University's "Genesis & Development of Rock & Roll" music course. He performs at the US Open Tennis Championships Opening Night Ceremony. He is voted one of the "100 Top Guitarists Of All-Time" by visitors to the GuitarPort Online website. Exposure on-line magazine includes his 1958 debut album "Bo Diddley" in its listing of the "50 Greatest Albums Not To Make The Greatest Albums Lists". Blender magazine lists Dawn Penn's recording of his song "You Don't Love Me (No No No)" as one of its "500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born!". In a special issue to mark its 100th year of publication, the entertainment news, movie reviews and industry events magazine Variety includes him singing his song "Bo Diddley" in live performance amongst its "Best of The Best: Entities That Affected Us All". Record Collector magazine includes his debut single "Bo Diddley"/"I'm A Man" and Mickey & Sylvia's 1956 recording of his song "Love Is Strange" in its "100 Greatest Rock & Roll Records". In San Francisco, former members of the groups Jefferson Airplane and Quicksilver Messenger Service perform a live version of his song "Who Do You Love" at the memorial concert for music promoter Chet Helms. Chris Isaak performs a live version of his song "Diddley Daddy" for the PBS concert series "Soundstage". Canadian oldies format radio station CKOC-FM lists Ronnie Hawkins' recording of his song "Bo Diddley" as one of its "Big 500 Songs of All-Time". Internet oldies format radio station CBS-FM.com lists Mickey & Sylvia's 1956 recording of his song "Love Is Strange" as one of its "Top 101 Songs of the 1950s". Pop/R&B singer Rihanna includes her version of his song "You Don't Love Me (No No No)", featuring DJ Vybz Kartel, on her debut album "Music Of The Sun". KT Tunstall's song "Black Horse And The Cherry Tree", with its BO DIDDLEY beat, is an international hit. Will Young's song "Switch It On", with its BO DIDDLEY beat, is a UK Top 5 hit. His recording of his song "Better Watch Yourself" is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "The Dukes Of Hazzard". Ronnie Hawkins' recording of his song "Bo Diddley" is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "The Life And Hard Times of Guy Terrifico". Everything But The Girl's recording of his song "Love Is Strange" is featured on the soundtrack of an automotive maker's TV commercial. George Thorogood & The Destroyers' recording of his song "Who Do You Love" is featured on the soundtrack of a beer maker's TV commercial. Chris Joss' recording of his song "Love Is Strange" is featured on the soundtrack of the documentary movie "Inside Deep Throat". Country music stars Toby Keith and Jack Ingram perform his song "Who Do You Love" during Country Music TV's annual "CMT Outlaws" concert. The New York Dolls perform his song "Pills" in the documentary movie "All Dolled Up: A New York Dolls Story". George Thorogood & The Destroyers' recording of his song "Who Do You Love" is featured on the soundtrack of the popular NBC TV sitcom "My Name Is Earl". "Carcraft - The Musical", with its BO DIDDLEY beat, is featured on the soundtrack of TV and radio commercials for the UK's leading independent group of used car hypermarkets. His song "Bo Diddley's A Gunslinger" is featured in playwright Len Jenkin's acclaimed stage play "Margo Veil: An Entertainment". Minnesota-based fiddler Zack Kline is commissioned to write the "Bo Diddley Fantasy" by the City of Lakes Waldorf School in Minneapolis for their grade 7/8 string orchestra. The piece features BO DIDDLEY-style rhythms, the trading of blues licks, 4 soloists and a syncopated minimalist-style section.

2006

Alachua County, North Central Florida Commissioner Rodney Long proclaims Saturday February 25th "BO DIDDLEY Day".

Gainesville, Florida Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan proclaims Saturday June 17th "BO DIDDLEY Day".

In Washington, DC, a marker on the Mount Pleasant Heritage Trail is unveiled at Newton and 18th Streets NW marking BO DIDDLEY's early-1960s home.

He headlines the Florida Keys for Katrina Relief fund-raising concert to benefit the town of Ocean Springs, Mississippi devastated by Hurricane Katrina. He headlines at the world-famous annual Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee. He performs at the celebrated Kansas City Music Blues & Jazz Festival in Kansas City, Kansas. He makes special guest appearances on albums released by movie actor and musician Steven Seagal and by the influential New York Dolls. He appears in a Dutch employment organization TV commercial. Reflecting his time spent living in New Mexico, Esquire magazine includes him in its "Style Map of The United States (And Puerto Rico)" listing of what each of the 50 States and Puerto Rico has contributed to the world of style. He features in the Japanese magazine Rock in Golden Age: 1957-60. His recording of his classic song "Bo Diddley" is included in "Music! Its Role And Importance In Our Lives", published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, the nation's leading educational publisher for grades 6-12, the high school general music program examines the history of music from the medieval era thru the 20th Century. The About.com Blues website lists his song "I'm A Man" (aka "Mannish Boy") in its listing of "Top 10 Greatest Blues Songs". Visitors to the DigitalDreamDoor.com website nominate him as one of the "100 Greatest Popular Music Artists" and nominate Quicksilver Messenger Service's 1969 recording of his song "Mona" as one of the "100 Greatest Psychedelic Songs". The Rock-Songs.com website lists his 1955 recording of his song "Bo Diddley" as one of its "Ultimate Top 500 Classic Rock Songs of All-Time" and as one of its "100 Greatest Guitar Riffs". The French weekly art criticism magazine Les Inrockuptibles lists his 1955 recording of his song "I'm A Man" as one of its "1,000 Indispensable Songs". The AllOfMP3.com website lists his 1959 LP "Go Bo Diddley" as one of its "500 Greatest Albums" listing of the most significant albums recorded in the previous millennium. The Dutch broadcasting organisation VPRO lists his 1958 debut album "Bo Diddley" in its listing of the "299 Best Albums of All-Time". Internet classic rock format radio station Rockland USA lists Eric Clapton's recording of his song "Before You Accuse Me" and George Thorogood & The Destroyers' recording of his song "Who Do You Love" in its "Top 1,000 Songs of All-Time". The popular Benelux Internet radio station Radio Mi Amigo 192 includes Buddy Holly's recording of his song "Bo Diddley", the Everly Brothers' recording of his song "Love Is Strange" and Juicy Lucy's recording of his song "Who Do You Love" in its "Top 10,000" list of all-time hits. His 1955 recording of his song "Bo Diddley" is listed as one of the UK's classic rock format radio station Virgin Radio Classic Rock's "Top 100 Guitar Tracks". Apple's iTunes Music Store includes his 1955 recording of his song "Bo Diddley" in its listing of Top 100 blues songs. Rock band Jefferson Starship: The Next Generation perform a live version of his song "Who Do You Love" at the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul, Minnesota in celebration of co-founder Paul Kantner's 65th birthday. Listeners to the UK's classic rock format radio station Planet Rock nominate Alvin Lee's solo on his song "I'm Going Home" (aka "Down Home Special") recorded live at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 with blues/rock group Ten Years After as one of the "40 Greatest Guitar Solos of All-Time". Juicy Lucy's recording of his song "Who Do You Love" is included in the UK's "Classic Rock" magazine's "100 Best Blues/Rock Anthems". New York's WBAR Barnard College Free-Form Radio launches "The Bo Diddley & Jesus Fist Fight In Heaven" record show. The Scissor Sisters' song "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'", with its BO DIDDLEY beat, is an international hit. Adam Gnade writing in the Portland Mercury newspaper names him as one of his "Gods of Guitar". He embarks on the "BO DIDDLEY & Friends" tour with Alvin Youngblood Hart and Ruthie Foster. At a concert in Louisiana, he joins musicians worldwide in commemoration of the 5th annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days in memory of journalist Daniel Pearl to promote the ideals that inspired Daniel's life and work and to promote cross-cultural understanding, to combat cultural and religious hatred, to encourage responsible and creative journalism and to enrich people�s lives through music. Pop music critic Jeff Miers writing in The Buffalo News newspaper includes the New York Dolls' 1973 recording of his song "Pills" amongst his "10 New York Dolls songs no one should live without". Dutch broadcaster and pop music expert Leo Blokhuis lists his 1955 recording of "I'm A Man" as one of his "10 Best Blues Classics". He is awarded the "Chic-A-Go-Go" Heritage Award, presented by the Chicago Access Network TV dance show to individuals or groups who have made significant cultural contributions to Chicago's rich musical landscape. The popular About.com Gainesville, Florida website lists his 2005 "Hey Bo Diddley... Live In Concert" CD in its listing of "Top 5 CDs by Home-grown Gainesville Artists & Bands". His recording of his song "Bo Diddley" is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Hollywoodland". His recording of his song "Better Watch Yourself" is featured on the soundtrack of a direct broadcast satellite service's TV commercial. Finalist Ruzsa Magdolna performs a live version of his song "Road Runner" on the Hungarian reality TV series "Megasztar". Dion includes his recording of his classic song "Who Do You Love" on his "Bronx in Blue" album of blues and country standards. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers salute their 1960s roots during their 30th Anniversary Tour shows by performing his song "I'm A Man", in the style made popular by the Yardbirds' 1965 hit recording. The Texan blue-eyed soul singer Roy Head pays his tribute at England's Hemsby Rock & Roll Weekender show by performing live versions of his songs "Bo Diddley", "Before You Accuse Me", "Bring It To Jerome", "Hey Bo Diddley" and "Who Do You Love". Rock band The Raconteurs perform a live version of his song "Who Do You Love" in concert in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. In his liner notes for his album "Atlantis: Hymns For Disco", the Toronto, Canada-based hip hop musician k-os thanks what he calls "the pantheon" of BO DIDDLEY, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix and calls on his young fans to check out the albums of these music greats. He performs for over 1,600 special fans in Brooklyn College's Whitman Hall at a Holiday Show matinee for disadvantaged New Yorkers. On the opening night of her traditional Christmas week stand at New York's Bowery Ballroom, singer and poet Patti Smith performs a medley of James Brown's "Living In America" and BO DIDDLEY's song "Who Do You Love" to honor the Godfather of Soul's passing and BO DIDDLEY's 78th birthday.

2007

BBC Radio broadcasts "Hey! Bo Diddley", a major 3-part celebration narrated by The Who's Roger Daltrey.

BO DIDDLEY rings the Opening Bell and is welcomed by the members and employees of the American Stock Exchange in New York in a ceremony held in his honor.

BO DIDDLEY receives the Mississippi Governor's Award of Excellence in The Arts for Lifetime Achievement; the State's highest arts honor.

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour proclaims Friday November 2nd "BO DIDDLEY Day".

In McComb, the Mississippi Blues Commission unveils the BO DIDDLEY Blues Marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail at a ceremony held in his honor.

Geffen/Universal Records release his compilation CD "Bo Diddley - Definitive Collection"; it peaks at #2 in the Top 10 Blues Albums chart. He performs at the "Legends of Rock & Roll" spectacular in Las Vegas, Nevada. He gives highly acclaimed performances at both the East Coast and the West Coast Blues & Roots Music Festivals in Australia. "Shake", a track on which he makes a special guest appearance, is released as a single by movie actor and musician Steven Seagal. He co-writes and contributes guitar and vocals to the track "You Got To Wait" on his Galveston, Texas-based blues protege Hamilton Loomis' album "Ain't Just Temporary". The popular French electroclash outfit Black Strobe release their reworking of his classic song "I'm A Man" as a single. The Atlanta-based Songs For Kids Foundation includes his songs "Bo Diddley", "Who Do You Love" and "I'm A Man" in its "500 Greatest Songs of All-Time" series of shows, the biggest music charity event in Georgia history. The Black History People 365 blog includes him in its listing of "20th Century Visionaries & Pioneers". Gretsch Guitars release the G6199B Billy F Gibbons-BO DIDDLEY "Billy-Bo" Jupiter Thunderbird Bass signature model guitar, a reproduction of the guitar which Gretsch had custom-built for him in 1959. In celebration of punk rock's roots, the New York Dolls perform a rousing live version of his song "Pills" for the PBS concert series "Soundstage". His protegees Washington, DC-based female vocal group The Jewels re-form and join forces with doo wop quartet The Velons. Music critic Jim Harrington writing in the San Jose Mercury News newspaper includes the 1967 Super Super Blues Band, consisting of BO DIDDLEY, Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf, amongst his select history of notable supergroups. The popular AccessRock.com website lists his celebrated guitar riff at #1 in its listing of "Top Ten Guitar Riffs You Should Know". The popular Internet station Offshore Music Radio includes Juicy Lucy's hit recording of his song "Who Do You Love" in its "All-Time Top 500". His recording of his song "Say Man" is included on the various artists compilation album "Stooges Jukebox" compiled by Iggy Pop for Mojo magazine. Editor Tim Whitaker writing in the Philadelphia Weekly alternative newspaper includes his recording of his song "Bo Diddley" amongst his "50 Killer Summer Songs". UK musician and writer John Moore writing on the Guardian Unlimited website hails him as "a world treasure" and as "one of the greatest musical innovators of all-time". His song "Bo Diddley" is featured in the musical revue "Canadian Explosion". Canadian rockers Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings include their version of his song "Who Do You Love" on their "Jukebox" album salute to their musical roots. A special "Bo Did It!" record hop is staged in New York, featuring top DJs including Billy Miller & Miriam Linna, Tim Warren, Todd-O-Phonic, Dave The Spazz, Rex Doane, Andy Maltz and Bazooka Joe. Robbie Robertson and Eric Clapton pay tribute to him by performing their version of his classic song "Who Do You Love" on-stage at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago, Illinois. Baltimore, Maryland public radio station WTMD 89.7FM includes his song "Who Do You Love" in its listing of "897 Greatest Songs of All-Time". The EveryGuitarist.com website lists him in its "Top 100 Greatest Guitarists of All-Time". The Rock Music Universe website includes him in its listing of "100 Greatest Rock Artists of All-Time" and his song "Bo Diddley" in its listing of "100 Greatest Rock Songs of the 1950s". Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera profiles him in his "A Is For Axe - The A-Z of The World's Greatest Guitarists" series on the UK's classic rock format radio station Planet Rock. A listener to the UK's classic rock format radio station Planet Rock nominates Juicy Lucy's recording of his song "Who Do You Love" as one of the "Top Blues Covers". George Thorogood & The Destroyers' recording of his song "Who Do You Love" is included in the UK's classic rock format radio station Planet Rock's listing of "Question's In The Title" songs. Aerosmith's recording of his song "Road Runner" is included in the UK's classic rock format radio station Planet Rock's listing of "On The Road Again" songs. His recording of his song "Bo Diddley" is included as one of the 50 tracks by 50 bands and artists included on a special 3-CD set celebrating the 50th anniversary of the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. New York's oldies format radio station WCBS-FM returns to the airwaves and lists Mickey & Sylvia's 1956 recording of his song "Love Is Strange" as one of its "New York's Greatest Hits". Exposure On-line Magazine includes his song "Bo Diddley" in its listing of "100 Songs For Your iPod", describing it as "still one of the greatest rock songs of all-time". Staff and listeners of WXPN 88.5FM public radio station for the University of Pennsylvania include the March 1955 recording of his song "Bo Diddley" in its listing of the "885 Most Memorable Musical Moments". The UK's Guardian Unlimited website includes his 2006 compilation CD "The Story of Bo Diddley - The Very Best of Bo Diddley" in its listing of "1,000 Albums To Hear Before You Die". Blender magazine lists his Gretsch "Big B" guitar in its listing of "The 28 Most Recognizable Guitars". Medialoper weblog co-founder Jim Connelly includes his 1960 recording of his song "Bo Diddley's A Gunslinger" in his list of "50 Great Songs Under 2 Minutes". His 1955 recording of his song "Bo Diddley" is included in the AllGuitarLessons.com website's listing of "Top 200 Guitar Riffs of All-Time". Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse's song "Valerie", with its BO DIDDLEY beat, is an international hit. His recording of his song "Pretty Thing" is featured on the soundtrack of the UK reality TV "Wedding Day" strand. His recording of his song "Road Runner" is featured on the soundtrack of a banking institution's TV commercial. His recording of his song "Road Runner" is featured on the soundtrack of a TV commercial for one of Canada's leading telecommunication companies. His recording of his song "I'm A Man" is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Clubland" (aka "Introducing The Dwights"). His recording of his song "Ride On Josephine" is featured on the soundtrack of the popular HBO TV series "Entourage". Ronnie Hawkins' recordings of his songs "Hey Bo Diddley" and "Who Do You Love" are featured in the BBC Radio documentary "Ronnie's Last Show". Mickey & Sylvia's recording of his song "Love Is Strange" is featured on the soundtrack of the popular CBS TV comedy series "How I Met Your Mother". George Thorogood & The Destroyers' recording of his song "Who Do You Love" is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Wild Hogs". George Thorogood & The Destroyers' recording of his song "Who Do You Love" is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Ghost Rider". George Thorogood & The Destroyers' recording of his song "Who Do You Love" is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Mr. Woodcock". Buddy Holly's recording of his song "Dearest" (aka "Umm, Oh Yeah") is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Juno". The Yardbirds' 2006 live recording of his song "I'm A Man" is featured on the soundtrack of the season premiere episode of the popular animated TV series "The Simpsons". Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers perform his song "I'm A Man" in their documentary movie "Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down A Dream - 30th Anniversary Homecoming Concert". Robbie Robertson and Eric Clapton perform his song "Who Do You Love" in the PBS program "Great Performances - Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival Chicago". The Who perform his song "Road Runner" in their documentary movie "Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who". Eric Clapton performs his song "Before You Accuse Me" in the concert movie "Eric Clapton: Budokan 1997". Actors Eero Milanoff, Olavi Uusivirta and Jussi Nikkila perform his song "Road Runner" in the Finnish movie "Ganes". Set in rural Alabama in 1950, writer and director John Sayles describes the movie "Honeydripper" as "about that BO DIDDLEY moment when music moves from the blues to rock & roll". The Hip-O Select label's "I'm A Man/The Chess Masters, 1955-1958" compilation album including previously unreleased tracks and alternate takes garners rave reviews. Little Steven's Underground Garage radio show includes his 2007 "I'm A Man/The Chess Masters, 1955-1958" compilation album in its "Underground Garage Christmas List" of the coolest rock & roll gifts this holiday season. The popular Allmusic.com website includes his 2007 "I'm A Man/The Chess Masters, 1955-1958" compilation album in its listing of "Allmusic's Favorite Reissues of 2007". The popular About.com Oldies website lists his 2007 "I'm A Man/The Chess Masters, 1955-1958" compilation album at #1 in its listing of "Top Ten Oldies Reissues of 2007".

2008

BO DIDDLEY is honored by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) as one of a select group of notable CPS alumni.

In Chicago, BO DIDDLEY's music and his unsung work for homeless and other charity organizations is celebrated at Koko Taylor's Celebrity Aid Foundation's annual Rock & Roll Rhythm & Blues Revue.

Alachua County, North Central Florida Commissioner Rodney Long proclaims Saturday June 7th "BO DIDDLEY Day".

To mark his passing, in Archer, Florida, the traditional Yulee Railroad Days celebration is renamed Yulee Diddley Days and a parade staged through the town in tribute to BO DIDDLEY and his accomplishments.

President George W. Bush pays tribute to BO DIDDLEY, saying that "he changed the face of music" and "that his memory will live on in the songs and the joy he brought to millions - including a little fellow like me".

Tribute is paid to BO DIDDLEY in the US House of Representatives "for his invaluable contributions to American culture" and condolences paid to his family "on the death of this remarkable and talented man".

Tribute is paid to BO DIDDLEY in the UK Parliament's House of Commons, noting that "British rock music... owes a great deal to this outstanding American genius of down-to-earth songs and rhythms".

BO DIDDLEY is posthumously awarded a Doctor of Fine Arts degree by the University of Florida for his influence on American popular music.

In its "People in America" radio series about influential people in American history, the Voice of America pays tribute to BO DIDDLEY, describing how "his influence was so widespread that it is hard to imagine what rock and roll would have sounded like without him".

In Gainesville, Florida, to honor his memory the Downtown Community Plaza is officially renamed the BO DIDDLEY Community Plaza.

Originally titled "Chess", the movie drama "Who Do You Love", about the founders of Chess Records, is retitled in tribute to BO DIDDLEY.

The Official BO DIDDLEY MySpace Page and The BO DIDDLEY Legacy MySpace Page are launched, providing up to date news, photos, audio, video and links. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers perform his song "I'm A Man" in the PBS concert program "Soundstage: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Live From Gatorville". He makes a special guest appearance and credited with "lifelong inspiration" on Hans Theessink and Terry Evans' blues/roots album "Visions". Lonnie Donegan's recording of his song "Love Is Strange" is featured on the soundtrack of the BBC TV documentary "Pop Britannia: Move It". Music writer Philippe Robert includes his 1958 debut LP "Bo Diddley" in his book "Great Black Music: 110 Essential Albums". His 1955 recording of his song "Bo Diddley" is included in BBC TV's "Critics Top 50" listing of the best tracks of the 1950s. The Gigwise.com website includes him in its "50 Greatest Guitarists... Ever!" listing. The popular About.com Oldies website includes Mickey & Sylvia's 1956 recording of his song "Love Is Strange" in its listing of "Top 10 Greatest Oldies Duets of All-Time". British blues trio the Ian Siegal Band perform a medley of 5 of his classic songs: "Ride On Josephine", "Pretty Thing", "Bo Diddley", "Hey Bo Diddley" and "Who Do You Love", during a live concert webcast streamed around the world from the Paradiso music venue in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The hosts of Chicago Public Radio's "Sound Opinions" rock & roll talk show hail his former band member Jerome Green as one of their "Unsung Heroes of Rock & Roll". The Tacoma, Washington-based folk/blues/rockabilly musician Tiny Letters pays tribute to his former maracas player by writing and recording a track titled "Song For Jerome Green". Visitors to the DigitalDreamDoor.com website nominate his songs "Bo Diddley", "I'm A Man", "Who Do You Love" and "Love Is Strange" amongst the "500 Songs Every Rock Fan Should Know"; the songs were chosen based upon their initial and lasting popularity, influence on later artists and musicians and musical impact/acclaim. Visitors to the DigitalDreamDoor.com website nominate him as one of the "Top 10 Greatest Live Rock Artists" and his protege Billy Stewart's 1957 song "Billy's Heartache" as one of the "Top Five Songs That Influenced The Birth of Ska, Rocksteady & Reggae". His original girl guitar player LADY BO is listed in Venus Zine magazine's "Greatest Female Guitarists of All-Time", in recognition of how she altered the shape of the male-dominated industry. Illinois Entertainer magazine lists him as one of its "20 All-Time Greatest Chicago Guitarists". He is one of the Featured Artists on the new Hard Rock Memorabilia interactive website launched at memorabilia.hardrock.com. The great harmonica player Little Walter is posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his work as a side man on recordings by artists including BO DIDDLEY and Muddy Waters. BBC Radio broadcasts an encore presentation of its acclaimed 2007 "Hey! Bo Diddley" 3-part celebration narrated by The Who's Roger Daltrey. The AllGuitarLessons.com website lists his 1960 LP "Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger" as one of its "Top 100 Albums From The 1960s". Visitors to the About.com Blues website nominate his song "I'm A Man" (aka "Mannish Boy") to position #1 in a "Greatest Blues Song" on-line poll. To mark 70 years of electric guitar recordings, Record Collector magazine in the UK includes his debut UK record release, his 1956 EP (extended-play) "Rhythm & Blues With Bo Diddley", in its list of "Riffs & Records That Changed The World". Rolling Stone magazine includes Quicksilver Messenger Service's 1969 recording of his song "Mona" (aka "I Need You Baby") in its listing of "100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All-Time". On BBC Radio, singer Eric Burdon chooses his 1957 recording of his song "Mona" (aka "I Need You Baby") as a favorite track. Music writer Stephen Walker writing in the Australian Sydney Morning Herald newspaper's Noise Pollution blog includes him in his list of "10 favorite great rhythm guitarists". He is posthumously inducted into Orlando, Florida's WUCF 89.9FM's "Smokestack Lightnin' Blues Radio" program's Blues Hall of Fame. The Hip-O Select label releases "Road Runner/The Chess Masters, 1959-1960", the label's second compilation album including previously unreleased tracks and alternate takes. "With his weird and wonderful instrumental sounds, idiosyncratic lyrics, garish plaid jackets and strangely-shaped guitars, he embodied the true spirit of loonyism..."; a posthumous tribute by the UK's Official Monster Raving Loony Party, a political party established by rock & roll musician and politician Screaming Lord Sutch. As a posthumous tribute, BBC Radio broadcasts another encore presentation of its acclaimed 2007 "Hey! Bo Diddley" 3-part celebration narrated by The Who's Roger Daltrey. A posthumous tribute article written by Ned Sublette is published in the prestigious Smithsonian magazine. In the City of Bronson in north-central Florida, the Bronson Youth League Park is renamed the BO DIDDLEY Memorial Park. The About.com Oldies website lists his song "Pollution", a track on his 1971 album "Another Dimension", in its listing of "Top Green Oldies"; the greatest ecologically and environmentally aware songs of the 1960s and 1970s. The French rock music magazine Volume includes his 1958 debut album "Bo Diddley" in its listing of the "200 Records Which Changed Rock & Roll". Record Collector magazine includes his songs "Love Is Strange", "Pretty Thing" and "Road Runner" in its listing of "100 R&B Songs That Changed The World"; the songs that inspired the British rhythm & blues boom of the early 1960s. The Gigwise.com website includes his Mean Machine and his Gretsch Billy-Bo Jupiter Thunderbird guitars in its "Coolest Guitars in Rock!" listing of 30 of the most stylish, iconic and weird guitars in Classic Rock history. Award-winning music journalist Tom Moon includes his 1958 debut album "Bo Diddley" in his book "1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die - A Listener's Life List", describing it as "The Rock Heartbeat". Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera, discussing the art of the guitar in psychedelic rock, includes John Cipollina's guitar solo on his song "Who Do You Love" recorded live with Quicksilver Messenger Sevice, in his "6 Strings & A Plank of Wood" series on the UK's classic rock format radio station Planet Rock. His riff on his song "Bo Diddley" is included in the UK's classic rock format radio station Planet Rock's listing of "Top 250 Greatest Rock Riffs". He is one of the guitar legends spotlighted on the popular LegendsofGuitar.com website. Singer-songwriter Dion Dimucci pays homage to him and his song "Who Do You Love" on Dion's "Heroes - Giants of Early Rock Guitar" CD/DVD. The "Rock Band 2" music video game pays homage to him by featuring his Gretsch G6138 "Bo Diddley" and Gretsch G6199 "Billy-Bo" Jupiter Thunderbird artist signature model guitars. His Gretsch G6199 "Billy-Bo" Jupiter Thunderbird artist signature model guitar is featured in Walter Carter's book "Classic Electrics: A Visual History of Great Guitars". His photograph is included in the book "Rock Gods: Forty Years of Rock Photography" by the celebrated rock music photographer Robert M. Knight. Record Collector magazine includes his 1960 debut UK album "Go Bo Diddley" (London HA-M-2230) in its listing of the "200 Rarest UK Albums of All-Time". Visitors to the AcclaimedMusic.net website induct him into their Hall of Acclaim's Class of 1965. On BBC Radio's popular "Tracks Of My Years" feature, singer/actress/comedienne Bette Midler chooses his recording of his song "Who Do You Love" as one of her favorite tracks, describing him as a "giant". On the Guardian Unlimited website's "Playlist" feature, drummer Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac chooses his recording of his song "Hey Bo Diddley" as one of the blues songs that means the most to him. The Mississippi, The Birthplace of American Music blog includes his song "Bo Meets The Monster" in its listing of "Top 10 Hallowe'en Blues Songs". Popular boy band The Jonas Brothers and comedian/actor Dan Aykroyd join forces for a performance of his classic song "Who Do You Love" on-stage at the House of Blues in Hollywood, California. Writing on the CinemaBlend.com website, Celeb Editor Mack Rawden includes the BO DIDDLEY riff amongst his Thanksgiving listing of "40 Obvious Things I'm Thankful For", observing: "Would rock & roll even exist without that simple, yet killer, guitar beat?" The popular GiftsandFreeAdvice.com website includes his 2007 compilation album "Bo Diddley - The Definitive Collection" in its list of "Chess Records' 10 Essential Greatest Hits Albums". The popular weekly syndicated radio show "Chop Shop" includes him in its list of "Top 100 Most Complete Guitarists of All-Time". Dutch singer Lucky Fonz III performs a live version of his hit song "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover" on the popular Dutch TV series "De Wereld Draait Door". George Thorogood & The Destroyers' recording of his song "Who Do You Love" is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Hancock". Black Strobe's recording of his song "I'm A Man" is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Rock N Rolla". Finalist Adam Castelli performs a live version of his song "Who Do You Love" on the Canadian reality TV series "Canadian Idol". His song "Who Do You Love" is featured in the popular stage musical "Million Dollar Quartet". The Yardbirds perform 2 versions of his song "I'm A Man" in their documentary movie "The Story of The Yardbirds". Everything But The Girl's recording of his song "Love Is Strange" is featured on the soundtrack of the German TV movie "Schlaflos in Oldenburg". Actor Jeffrey Wright's recording of his song "I'm A Man" is featured on the soundtrack of the Chess Records biopic movie "Cadillac Records". The popular Allmusic.com website includes his 2008 "Road Runner/The Chess Masters, 1959-1960" compilation album in its listing of "Allmusic's Favorite Pop/Rock Reissues of 2008". The popular About.com Oldies website includes his 2008 "Road Runner/The Chess Masters, 1959-1960" compilation album in its listing of "Top Ten Oldies Reissues of 2008". The popular Soul-Patrol.com website includes Munkeez Strikin Matchiz' 2008 SLAMjamz.com download single "Wreck It", feat. BO DIDDLEY, Chuck D, Bernie Worrell and Scott Free, in its listing of "Best Black Music Rock & Roll Songs of 2008".

2009

The Recording Academy pays BO DIDDLEY a posthumous tribute with an all-star performance at the 51st annual GRAMMY Awards Ceremony.

Marking the achievements of trailblazing African-American performers at Carnegie Hall, BO DIDDLEY is one of the artists included in its List of Honor for his groundbreaking October 1955 appearance at the prestigious New York venue. The show is now widely regarded as being the first full-length rhythm & blues/rock & roll concert to be staged at Carnegie Hall.

BO DIDDLEY is one of the black music icons recognized in a US House of Representatives resolution celebrating the 30th anniversary of Black Music Month. The bipartisan resolution notes how he was one of the legends who "helped the transition from blues to rock & roll music with ease".

BO DIDDLEY's 1956 recording of his song "Who Do You Love" is inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame as a recording of lasting qualitative or historical significance by the Recording Academy.

Billboard.com includes BO DIDDLEY in its "Gone, But Not Forgotten Gallery" of some of the brightest and most influential music stars whose voices were silenced over the decade.

BoDiddley.com, The Official Bo Diddley Web Site is launched, providing merchandise, digital downloads and DVD releases. The Official Bo Diddley Facebook Page is launched, providing up to date news, photos, audio, video and links. Eric Clapton's recording of his song "Before You Accuse Me", George Thorogood & The Destroyers' recording of his song "Who Do You Love" and Koko Taylor's recording of his song "I'm A Man" (retitled "I'm A Woman") enter the iTunes Top 100 Blues Chart. Record Collector magazine includes his 1960 UK single "Road Runner" (London HLM-9112) in its listing of "100 Pre-Beatles Classics"; great and innovative records released from the years 1959 to 1962. LADY BO, his original girl guitar player, is named a Ponderosa Stomp Foundation Hero. The Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the legacy, revitalizing the careers and preserving the history of the architects of American music. His recording of his song "Road Runner" is featured on the soundtrack of a brewing company's TV commercial in Ireland. His song "Bo Diddley" is included in the Musicouch.com website's "Top Five Most Influential Songs in Rock & Roll". His 1955 recording of his song "Pretty Thing" is included in the popular Telegraph.co.uk website's "Kings & Queens of Chess Records: Top 10 Hits". Writing in the Chestnut Hill Local weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, photographer/production designer Erin Vertreace includes his 1958 debut album "Bo Diddley" in her "Playlist for Black History Month" listing of favorite albums and songs by black musicians and singers. The UK's Guardian Unlimited website includes his 1959 song "Road Runner" in its listing of "1,000 Songs Everyone Must Hear". MensXP.com, India's largest men's lifestyle portal, includes his iconic rectangular shaped guitar in its listing of "Top 10 Guitars with Personality". Chuck Leavell, Rolling Stones keyboardist and co-founder of the Mother Nature Network, includes his song "Pollution", a track on his 1971 album "Another Dimension", in an Earth Day playlist of 20 favorite eco-songs. The Atlanta-based Songs For Kids Foundation includes his song "Who Do You Love" in its "500 Most Passionate Songs of All-Time" series of shows, the biggest music charity event in Georgia history. The Hip-O Select label releases "Ride On/The Chess Masters, 1960-1961", the label's third compilation album including previously unreleased tracks and alternate takes. The Moody Blues perform his song "Bo Diddley" in their documentary movie "Threshold Of A Dream - The Moody Blues Live At The Isle of Wight Festival 1970". Record Collector magazine includes English rhythm & blues group David John & The Mood's 1965 recording of his song "Bring It To Jerome" in its listing of "Joe Meek's Top 100 Singles", marking the release of the "Telstar" biopic of Joe Meek, the UK's premier independent record producer of the early 1960s. Visitors to the DigitalDreamDoor.com website nominate his song "Diddley Daddy" amongst the "100 Greatest Father Songs". Visitors to the DigitalDreamDoor.com website nominate his 1955 debut recording of his song "Bo Diddley" amongst the "500 Greatest Popular Recordings of All-Time". In Spain, the 12th San Javier International Jazz Festival is dedicated to the memory of three music icons: BO DIDDLEY, who headlined at the Festival in July 2006, jazz drummer Louie Bellson (1924-2009) and jazz pianist Esbjorn Svensson (1964-2008). Writing in the Newsday daily newspaper following the sudden death of Michael Jackson, music columnist Glenn Gamboa lists BO DIDDLEY, Fred Astaire, James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr. and Diana Ross as the main influences on the King Of Pop. The Los Angeles Times Magazine includes his signature Gretsch G6138 guitar in its listing of the 50 most famous guitars. On BBC Radio's "Tracks Of My Years" feature, popular Scottish singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini chooses his hit recording of the song "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover" as one of his favorite tracks. The French rock music magazine Crossroads includes his 1964 "Two Great Guitars" LP with Chuck Berry in its listing of "100 Essential Albums 1960-1968". Writing in a special music issue of the quarterly journal "Southern Cultures", the noted author and scholar Dr. William R. Ferris includes him in his listing of "Top Ten Blues Greats". The Dutch public broadcasting station Radio 5 includes his original recording of his song "Bo Diddley" in its "Top 500" and the Everly Brothers' recording of his song "Love Is Strange" in its "Top 1,000 Of The 1960s" listings. The Dutch public broadcasting station Radio 6 includes his original recordings of his songs "Before You Accuse Me", "Bo Diddley", "I'm A Man", "Mona" (aka "I Need You Baby") and "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover" in its "Top 600" listing and his original recording of his song "I'm A Man" in its "Jazz Top 600" listing. Writing in his book "The Little Rock Book", the French music writer Herve Bourhis includes his singles "I'm A Man", "Who Do You Love" and "Mona" (aka "I Need You Baby") in his listing of select singles from 1950 to 2009. Writing in their book "La Discotheque Parfaite De L'odyssee Du Rock", writers Gilles Verlant and Thomas Causse include his 1997 compilation CD "Bo Diddley-His Best" in their list of essential albums by the pioneers of rock music and his recordings of his songs "Hey Bo Diddley", "I'm A Man", "Road Runner" and "Who Do You Love" plus Ten Years After's live 1969 recording of his song "I'm Going Home" (aka "Down Home Special") and Quicksilver Messenger Service's 1969 recording of his song "Who Do You Love" in their list of "3,000 Rock Classics To Download". Rapper B.o.B. samples Mickey & Sylvia's 1956 hit recording of his song "Love Is Strange" for the track "My Sweet Baby". A recording of his song "You Don't Love Me (No No No)" is featured on the soundtrack of an insurance company's TV commercial in the UK. His hit recording of the song "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover" is featured on the soundtrack of TV commercials for a popular casino located in Yonkers, New York. To mark the Thanksgiving holiday, the SparkNotes.com website includes him in its listing of "Musicians We're Thankful For"; owned and operated by Barnes & Noble, SparkNotes.com is the most popular study aid website for high school and college students. At a symposium held in Jamaica, Dawn Penn's recording of his song "You Don't Love Me (No No No)" is voted one of the "Top 100 Jamaican Popular Songs, 1957-2007". Dawn Penn performs his song "You Don't Love Me (No No No)" in the documentary movie "Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae". Dawn Penn's recording of his song "You Don't Love Me (No No No)" is featured on the soundtrack of the popular HBO TV series "Entourage". Dr. Feelgood perform his hit songs "I'm A Man" and "I Can Tell" in the documentary movie "Oil City Confidential". Sir Paul McCartney & Wings' recording of his song "Love Is Strange" is featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Funny People". Writing in his Rocks Off blog in the Houston Press alternative weekly newspaper, Craig Hlavaty includes him in his list of 10 of the most influential and notable musical deaths of the decade. The popular About.com Oldies website lists his 2007 compilation album "I'm A Man/The Chess Masters, 1955-1958" in its listing of "Top Ten Best Compilations of the 2000s".