Rock 'n' roll trailblazer Bo Diddley dies at 79

Bo Diddley, who stirred rock 'n' roll and inspired scores of musicians with his "Bo Diddley Beat," died Monday of heart failure at his home in Archer, Fla., according to the Associated Press. He was 79.

Diddley, who was born Ellas Bates in McComb, Miss., had suffered a heart attack in August.

Called "The Originator" by some, Diddley strummed and plucked unique rectangular guitars on which he created music that brought him an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame and a lifetime achievement award in 1999 at the Grammy Awards.

Some of his early hits like "Hey Bo Diddley" and "Who Do You Love" are noted for bringing attention to rock 'n' roll.