Bo Diddley
ListenBo Diddley · 1955
Bo Diddley — “Bo Diddley,” 1955.
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1955 · Checker
Bo Diddley / I’m a Man
Before his name became shorthand for a rhythm, Bo Diddley played violin in a Chicago church orchestra. His first single brought a very different sound to record: an insistent beat, a ringing guitar and a singer introducing himself on his own terms. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0117 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Bo Diddley |
| Release | 1955 · United States |
| Label | Checker · 814 |
| Format | 10-inch disc · 78 rpm |
| Issue | U.S. commercial issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | E/E− |
Release history and significance
Known as Ellas McDaniel before his recording career, he grew up playing violin in a Baptist church orchestra. The rhythms he heard at a nearby Pentecostal church drew him toward guitar. He took his music to street corners and eventually became a regular performer at Chicago’s 708 Club. [1]
The songs “Bo Diddley” and “I’m a Man” became his first demos and then his 1955 debut for Checker, a Chess label. The single reached number one on the R&B chart. Its two sides offered contrasting foundations: the repeating five-beat pattern of “Bo Diddley” and the blues declaration of “I’m a Man.” [1] [2]
Market context
Discogs records sales for the referenced Checker 814 edition from US$20 to US$30, with a median of US$23, as listed on 13 September 2026. The latest recorded sale was 31 October 2025. [2]
Physical Description
A ten-inch Checker 814 disc, pairing “Bo Diddley” with “I’m a Man” at 78 rpm. [2]
Condition
Visually graded E/E−, with a glossy surface and clean labels showing light wear.
Provenance
Acquired on 26 May 2026 from Roberto Morataya through the Facebook group 78 rpm IN THE WILD buy/sell/show and tell.
Sources
- Chess Records, Bo Diddley. Church music, street performances, first demos and the Checker debut.
- Discogs, Bo Diddley, release 12688914. Checker 814 reference edition, coupling and sales history.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.