From the Associated Press:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock ’n’ roll whose distinctive “shave and a haircut, two bits” rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians, died Monday after months of ill health. He was 79.

Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Fla., spokeswoman Susan Clary said. He had suffered a heart attack in August, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa. Doctors said the stroke affected his ability to speak, and he had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation.

Bo Diddley was rock and roll. No doubt. Unprecedented. Unmatched. All of you indie rockers that fawn over Jon Spencer, take a listen to The Black Gladiator and you’ll know where Spencer learned everything he knows.

Witness genius: