Bo Diddley - "Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger" with John Kelly

In 1959, rock pioneer Bo Diddley made a surprising move from Chicago to Washington, D.C., a decision that would shape the local music scene in unexpected ways. Known for his signature beat, homemade guitars, and magnetic stage presence, Bo left an indelible mark on D.C.’s music history. But why leave Chicago for the capital? And what legacy did he build here?

In this episode, Philip Basnight, Alex Vidales, and special guest John Kelly—longtime Washington Post columnist and drummer for The Airport 77s—dive into the D.C. years of Bo Diddley’s career. We’ll explore his influence on local musicians, his infamous feud with Ed Sullivan, and the overlooked brilliance of Bo Diddley Is a Gunslinger. Grab your headphones, settle in, and let’s get rocking!

Go Further:

Bo Diddley’s Best Albums - Louder Sound

Bo Diddley on The Ed Sullivan Show (1955)

Spinning Blues Into Gold by Nadine Cohodas

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Philip Basnight - Broke Royals

Alex Vidales - StageCraft

John Kelly - The Airport 77s

Artwork by Rebecca Basnight