This article is about the singer. For the album, see Bo Diddley . For the song, see Bo Diddley . Bo Diddley (born December 30, 1928) aka "The Originator", is an influential American rock and roll singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is often cited as a key figure in the transition of blues into rock and roll, by introducing more insistent, driving rhythms and a hard edged guitar sound. He is also known for his characteristic rectangular guitar. Early life and career He was born Ellas Otha BatesSome sources give his name as Otha Ellas Bates in McComb, Mississippi, and was adopted and raised by his mother's cousin, Gussie McDaniel. He took her surname, becoming Ellas McDaniel. The family moved to Chicago when he was seven.http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/bo-diddley He took violin lessons as a youth, but was given a guitar by his sist