GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Bo Diddley’s funeral rocked and rolled Saturday with as much energy as his music.
For four hours, friends and relatives sang, danced and celebrated the life of the man who helped give birth to rock ‘n’ roll with a signature beat that influenced Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones and many others.
As family members passed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s casket, a gospel band played his namesake song. Within moments, the crowd of several hundred began clapping in time and shouting, “Hey, Bo Diddley!”
Diddley, 79, died of heart failure Monday at his home in nearby Archer.
“In 1955, he used to keep the crowds rocking and rolling way before Elvis Presley,” Diddley’s grandson Garry Mitchell said before kicking his legs sideways, high up in the air, the way Diddley did on stage. Mourners cheered.
“I’m just telling it the way it is,” Mitchell said.
Diddley, who was born Ellas Bates and became Ellas McDaniel when he took the last name of a cousin who raised him, was remembered for much more than his songs. Friends recounted his generosity, manifested in concerts for the homeless and work with youth groups and other charities; the way he loved to talk to just about anybody he met; and for his religious faith.
Gainesville Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan referred to one of his most famous hits as she told the crowd, “When the question is asked, ‘Who do you love?’, it’s you, Bo.”
The funeral was followed by a tribute concert featuring his touring band and other musicians.
Eric Burdon, leader of the ’60s rock group the Animals, attended the service, and flowers were sent from musicians that included Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Petty, George Thorogood and others.
Burdon said he saw Diddley play last year at a concert in Australia, and even though he could tell his health wasn’t great, Diddley put tremendous energy into the show. He was known for his stage moves, which some presume influenced Presley.
“He’s always been jumping around and very aggressive; if he was on stage with the Stones, he was obviously putting Keith Richards in his place,” Burdon said.
