[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1251 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                          June 9, 2008.
Whereas Bo Diddley, a founder of the rock and roll genre, helped to reshape the 
        sound of popular music worldwide by melding blues, Southern gospel, 
        rhythm and blues, and African American culture into a new genre that 
        continues to influence popular music to this day;
Whereas Bo Diddley was born as Otha Ellas Bates on December 30, 1928, in McComb, 
        Mississippi, grew up on the South Side of Chicago, studied classical 
        violin from the age of 7 through the age of 15, and, strongly influenced 
        by the music of John Lee Hooker, started playing the guitar at the age 
        of 12;
Whereas Otha Ellas Bates adopted ``Bo Diddley'' as his stage name while 
        performing on the South Side of Chicago;
Whereas Bo Diddley reshaped the sound of popular music, recording such tracks as 
        ``Bo Diddley'' and ``I'm A Man'', both becoming number 1 hits;
Whereas Bo Diddley's career spanned several decades, spawning hits such as ``Who 
        Do You Love'', ``Mona'', ``Crackin' Up'', ``Say, Man'', and ``Road 
        Runner'';
Whereas Bo Diddley and his famous ``Bo Diddley beat'' has influenced, and 
        continues to influence, generations of musicians, from Buddy Holly and 
        Elvis Presley to The Rolling Stones, The Clash, Bruce Springsteen, The 
        Smiths, U2, and The Beatles;
Whereas Bo Diddley was a loving father to his 4 children and is survived by 15 
        grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren;
Whereas Bo Diddley, in his later years, toured with Joe Strummer and The Clash, 
        as well as playing at the inaugurations of Presidents George H.W. Bush 
        and Bill Clinton;
Whereas Bo Diddley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, won 
        a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1998, and was inducted into the 
        National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame as a 
        musician of lasting historical importance; and
Whereas, with the death of Bo Diddley on June 2, 2008, at his home in Archer, 
        Florida, the Nation has lost one of its most influential rock and roll 
        and blues guitarists: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors the life and contributions of Bo Diddley;
            (2) recognizes and honors Bo Diddley for his invaluable 
        contributions to American culture;
            (3) recommits itself to ensuring that musical artists such as Bo 
        Diddley receive fair protection under the copyright laws for their 
        contributions to American culture; and
            (4) extends condolences to his family on the death of this 
        remarkable and talented man.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.