Ellas McDaniel (born Ellas Otha Bates, December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008), known as Bo Diddley, was an American R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter and music producer who played a key role in the transition from the blues to rock and roll, and influenced artists including Elvis Presley,[1] Buddy Holly, the Beatles,[2] [3] the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds, Eric Clapton,[4] the Who, Jimi Hendrix, George Thorogood, Parliament-Funkadelic, and The Clash.