The Bo Diddley Beat

Some thoughts after watching Bo Diddley: The Bo Diddley beat is basically a five-note syncopated rhythm (to which Bo added some grace notes) known as the clavé rhythm. Most sources trace it to the music of sub-Saharan Africa. It is often used in Latin music. For example, the bossa nova is sometimes called the Brazilian clavé. This beat appeared in several rhythm and blues songs prior to the recording of “Bo Diddley” in 1955. The most likely place for Bo to have heard it was “Hambone” by the Red Saunders Orchestra featuring the Hambone Kids, which received some airplay in 1952, although it did not make the charts. You can hear the similarities.

“Hambone” refers to a style of street dancing while slapping your thighs (and other body parts) that frequently included the clavé rhythm. One of the three Hambone Kids was 11-year-old Delecta Clark, who had several R&B hits under the name Dee Clark; for example, “Hey, Little Girl” (1959), which also used the Bo Diddley beat, and “Raindrops” (1961).

Probably the biggest hit after "Bo Diddley" to use the Bo Diddley beat was "Willie and the Hand Jive" by Johnny Otis (1958). Bo spoke bitterly of this song as if it were plagiarism, but listening to "Hambone"puts that charge in a different light. 

Rockabilly fans will remember “Not Fade Away” by Buddy Holly and the Crickets, which was a hit for the Rolling Stones in the U. K.

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