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.
The marquee at the 23rd Street Theatre just down the street from the Oklahoma state capito buildingl still has his name on it from the last time he was here they never had another show in there.
It has seen better days, here it was in 1964.
There is a group trying to renovate this great American landmark. Notably in this picture is two other Oklahoma icon companies that are also gone. T.G.& Y. and C.R. Anthony Company. I worked at a T.G.& Y. when I was in college. Anthony's was run into the ground by the sons of the founder and died when malls took over the shopping world. Also notable is the "quick loan" store. This portion of N.E. 23rd street has fallen on hard times and is littered with many of these companies now.
