Listen to Bo Diddley Play His (Other) Signature Song 50 Years Ago Today
Recorded Aug. 24, 1967, at the Avalon in San Francisco.
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Today in the Paste Vault, we’re reaching back 50 years to Aug. 24, 1967, and a very special performance by blues innovator Bo Diddley at the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco.
In 1967, Diddley was riding high behind the release of Super Blues, a “super-group” album recorded with Muddy Waters and Little Walter. On the record was a version of his iconic, eponymous song “Bo Diddley,” with the unmistakable beat that came to define him. On this night in San Francisco, however, Diddley played “Hey! Bo Diddley,” which utilizes the same beat in a slightly different format. Do they sound similar? Yes they do. But when you pioneer a whole new style of playing music, you get to wear it out.