[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.