Guitarist Bo Diddley dies at 79

“This distinctive, African-based … rhythm pattern (which goes bomp-bomp-bomp bomp-bomp) was picked up by other artists and has been a distinctive and recurring element in rock ‘n’ roll through the decades,” according to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

Guitarist George Thorogood, a Diddley disciple, put it more bluntly.

“[Chuck Berry’s] ‘Maybellene’ is a country song sped up,” Thorogood told Rolling Stone in 2005. ” ‘Johnny B. Goode’ is blues sped up. But you listen to ‘Bo Diddley,’ and you say, ‘What in the Jesus is that?’ ”

bomp-bomp-bomp bomp-bomp. Oh, yeah. Write it, baby!

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Okay, that makes three.