Pitchfork

Legendary blues and r&b singer, songwriter, and guitarist Bo Diddley passed away today at his home in Archer, Florida, CNN.com reports. According to his family, the cause of death was heart failure. He was 79 years old.

The influence of Diddley's late 50s and early 60s recordings on the rhythm, guitar style, and spirit of rock'n'roll is enormous. His 1955 debut single "Bo Diddley" is credited with inventing what became known as the "Bo Diddley rhythm," a variation on the clave also known as the "shave and a haircut, two bits" rhythm. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Fleetwood Mac, have all covered the song, and countless hits-- from "Not Fade Away" to "I Want Candy"-- have copied the rhythm.

Initially a member of the Chess label roster-- which also included Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker, and Etta James-- Diddley later counted Buddy Holly, the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, and the Clash among his boosters and touring partners. He was one of rock'n'roll's early innovators of the electric guitar, pioneering the use of tremelo and reverb effects.

Diddley was also known for his distinctive look, which often included a cowboy hat, large glasses, and a boxy guitar worn low. And his 1961 album Bo Diddley Is a Gunslinger features one of the best covers of all time.

Bo Diddley was born Ellas Bates in 1928 in McComb, Mississippi. In 1987, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 1998.