"I am currently collecting material for a book I hope to write on Bo Diddley and I wondered if any BU readers could help out...", began a letter by George White to Blues Unlimited in July 1980. Fifteen years on, and much dedicated work later, it has finally come to fruition.
In essence this is an autobiography masquerading as biography. By that I mean the book mainly features Bo Diddley recounting the events in his life and discussing the recordings that shaped his career, all in response to close questioning from the author; a kind of "as told to George White" tale. This approach certainly leaves the reader in little doubt as to Diddley's views on his own importance in the great scheme of things, though personally I would have preferred less-subjective hyperbole from Diddley and more objective input by the author, especially concerning the historical and cultural climate in which Diddley worked. However, as this book is primarily aimed at the mass market reader, rather than "specialists" like myself, it admirably serves to bring Bo Diddley to the notice of the general popular music fan, as well as remind the music industry of his innovations, hopefully prompting renewed interest. In that regard "Bo Diddley-Living Legend" is an enlightening read, underpinned by thorough research, vintage photographs and exhaustive appendices of recordings. One can only hope that the sub-title isn't tempting fate!
Any reservations I might have about the work are by way of "technical". For example, incorporated within the narrative are pedantic and lengthy lists of every artist who recorded any particular Bo Diddley number which not only break the flow but become tedious; I found myself skipping past these. More importantly though, this work is set to become THE reference book on Bo Diddley but there is neither table of contents nor index The lack of the latter, especially, may prove to be a major drawback for current/ future researchers of popular music. Should there be a reprint this oversight must be redressed as a priority.
Alan Balfour
From The Blues Newsletter Blues In The South.
George White's book will be reviewed in B&R by Chris Smith. But being the thoughtful chaps we are we thought that Blues World users would like a sneak preview.