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Home , Bad to the Bone, Before You Accuse Me, Bo Diddley beat, Diddley Daddy, Jerome Green, Peggy Jones (musician)

11842 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 9 June 9, 2008 am proud to join my colleagues in cospon- the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5593, as (2) recognizes and honors for soring this timely legislation. I would like to amended. his invaluable contributions to American culture; thank my colleague, Congresswoman LINDA The question was taken; and (two- ´ thirds being in the affirmative) the (3) recommits itself to ensuring that musi- SANCHEZ, for introducing this bill, and for pro- cal artists such as Bo Diddley receive fair viding leadership on this important issue. rules were suspended and the bill, as protection under the copyright laws for their I support this bill. It eliminates waste by amended, was passed. contributions to American culture; and minimizing the production of paper that is re- A motion to reconsider was laid on (4) extends condolences to his family on quired to be provided to Congress. It should the table. the death of this remarkable and talented reduce duplicative paperwork and eliminate man. f waste. These reduction and minimization of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- waste standards provided by this bill should SALUTING THE LIFE AND MUSIC ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from result in a substantial cost savings to the Fed- OF THE LATE BO DIDDLEY California (Ms. ZOE LOFGREN) and the eral Government. In times like we are in now, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. gentleman from Iowa (Mr. KING) each it is important that the Government cut costs. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules will control 20 minutes. I support this bill. It is a first step in cutting and agree to the resolution (H. Res. The Chair recognizes the gentle- needless and excessive costs. 1251) saluting the life and music of the woman from California. The congressional review mechanism of late Otha Ellas ‘‘Bo Diddley’’ Bates, b 1600 agency rules, known as the Congressional Re- guitar virtuoso and pio- view Act, CRA, requires that all agencies pro- GENERAL LEAVE neer, whose music continues to influ- mulgating a rule must submit a report to both Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. ence generations of musicians. Houses of Congress and to the GAO. Accord- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that The Clerk read the title of the resolu- ing to the CRA, the report must contain a copy all Members have 5 legislative days to tion. of the rule, a concise general statement de- revise and extend their remarks and in- The text of the resolution is as fol- scribing the rule, and the proposed effective clude extraneous material on the reso- lows: date of the rule. A rule cannot take effect if the lution under consideration. report is not submitted. Each House must then H. RES. 1251 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there send a copy of the report to the chairman and Whereas Bo Diddley, a founder of the rock objection to the request of the gentle- the ranking member of each jurisdictional and roll genre, helped to reshape the sound woman from California? of popular music worldwide by melding committee. The promulgating agency must There was no objection. blues, Southern gospel, , Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. then submit to the GAO: (1) a complete copy and African American culture into a new of the cost-benefit analysis; (2) a description genre that continues to influence popular Speaker, I yield myself such time as I of the agency’s actions; and (3) other relevant music to this day; may consume. information required under any other act or ex- Whereas Bo Diddley was born as Otha Ellas Mr. Speaker, today we honor the life ecutive order. This information must also be Bates on December 30, 1928, in McComb, Mis- and musical legacy of Bo Diddley, a made available to each House. sissippi, grew up on the South Side of Chi- founding father of rock and roll, a H.R. 5593 amends the current law, to re- cago, studied classical violin from the age of guitarist who has influenced genera- duce paperwork. The primary purpose of the 7 through the age of 15, and, strongly influ- tions of musicians, who no doubt will enced by the music of John Lee Hooker, continue to do so for generations to legislation is to ensure that the same material started playing the guitar at the age of 12; is not submitted, housed, and printed at four Whereas Otha Ellas Bates adopted ‘‘Bo come. different Government entities. H.R. 5593 elimi- Diddley’’ as his stage name while performing This resolution was introduced by nates the requirement that agencies submit on the South Side of ; the chairman of the full Judiciary paper copies of their rules that are printed in Whereas Bo Diddley reshaped the sound of Committee, Mr. CONYERS, who was un- the Federal Register to each House while con- popular music, recording such tracks as ‘‘Bo able to be here in time to present it tinuing a referral of all rules printed in the Fed- Diddley’’ and ‘‘I’m A Man’’, both becoming himself. eral Register and the periodic indication of number 1 hits; I am honored to note that Bo Diddley Whereas Bo Diddley’s career spanned sev- was born Otha Ellas Bates in the small those referrals in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. eral decades, spawning hits such as ‘‘Who Do Instead, both the House and Senate would re- You Love’’, ‘‘Mona’’, ‘‘Crackin’ Up’’, ‘‘Say, town of McComb, Mississippi. He ceive a weekly list of rules from the GAO and Man’’, and ‘‘Road Runner’’; moved as a young boy to Chicago, then the House and Senate would put that list Whereas Bo Diddley and his famous ‘‘Bo where he initially studied classical vio- in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. Diddley beat’’ has influenced, and continues lin. But at age 12, he heard John Lee This bill eliminates the excessive duplication to influence, generations of musicians, from Hooker play ‘‘Boogie Chillen’’ and and printing of rules. No longer are the rules and to The Roll- found his true calling, the electric gui- housed at four Government agencies. Under ing Stones, , , tar. , , and The Beatles; this bill, the House would receive a weekly list He got the nickname, by which he Whereas Bo Diddley was a loving father to will ever be known, as a teenager from of rules that would then be added to the CON- his 4 children and is survived by 15 grand- GRESSIONAL RECORD. This bill adds a com- children, 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great- a girl in his neighborhood. He said she monsense approach to rulemaking, the print- great grandchildren; meant it as a compliment to his boxing ing, publication and dissemination of those Whereas Bo Diddley, in his later years, skill. rules. It is simple and the reforms that it brings toured with Joe Strummer and The Clash, as After years playing music with should yield a substantial cost savings to the well as playing at the inaugurations of Presi- friends on the South Side of Chicago, U.S. Treasury. dents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton; first on street corners, later at the 708 Whereas Bo Diddley was inducted into the I am proud to support this bill because it Club, Bo Diddley and his band made Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, won a their first record in 1955. eliminates duplicative and needless paperwork Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1998, and and should provide a cost savings. I urge my was inducted into the National Academy of Vee-Jay Records had turned them colleagues to support this bill. Recording Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame as down, who said the music was just too Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I a musician of lasting historical importance; strange. But they walked across the yield back the balance of my time. and street to Chess, who signed them up on Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Whereas, with the death of Bo Diddley on the spot. The song, titled ‘‘Bo Speaker, once again, I urge adoption of June 2, 2008, at his home in Archer, Florida, Diddley,’’ became an instant hit, reach- this measure, and I yield back the bal- the Nation has lost one of its most influen- ing number 2 on the charts. ance of my time. tial rock and roll and blues guitarists: Now, Later that year, he was invited to therefore, be it The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Resolved, That the House of Representa- perform on TV on the Ed Sullivan question is on the motion offered by tives— Show. For some reason, Ed Sullivan the gentlewoman from California (Ms. (1) honors the life and contributions of Bo chose to have him play a Tennessee ZOE LOFGREN) that the House suspend Diddley; Ernie Ford song, ‘‘16 Tons.’’ Bo Diddley

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:01 Jan 21, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H09JN8.000 H09JN8 WReier-Aviles on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BOUND RECORD June 9, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 9 11843 didn’t know that song. So the show’s to retire last year at age 78. The fact Diddley.’’ I am proud to join my colleagues in crew spent 2 hours playing him the that he reaped so little from all that he cosponsoring this timely legislation. I would record and rehearsing it with him and had sowed helped spur him in later like to thank my colleague, Chairman CON- made cue cards with the lyrics for him. years to become a tireless advocate for YERS of the Judiciary Committee, for intro- But what the audience got to hear educating musicians on their rights. As ducing this bill, and for providing leadership on that night was ‘‘Bo Diddley.’’ And he explained in a 2005 interview in Roll- this important issue. when the show’s producer asked him ing Stone magazine, ‘‘I tell musicians Bo Diddley was a musician par excellence. what went wrong, he said, ‘‘Man, ‘Don’t trust nobody but your mama.’ ’’ He was a singer, guitarist, , music maybe that was ‘16 Tons’ on those Good advice for many of us. pioneer, and actor. cards, but all I saw was ‘Bo Diddley.’ ’’ Mick Jagger spoke for many when he He was born December 30, 1928, and re- Although Ed Sullivan didn’t plan for said last week that Bo Diddley was ‘‘a cently passed on June 2, 2008. He was an it to be, that was the first rock and roll wonderful, original musician who was American rock and roll singer. In fact, he was performance on TV, a year before Elvis very generous to in the progenitor of the genre. He was a guitarist, Presley made his appearance on the our early years.’’ Although Bo Diddley songwriter, and more. He was the key figure show. himself is now gone, he has left an in- that transitioned from blues to rock and roll. Bo Diddley had several other songs delible mark on American music. And Bo Diddley gave America hard rhythms, hard reach the top of the charts. He became this resolution is before us today to guitar, and his characteristic rectangular gui- as well known as any recording artist honor that uniquely American con- tar. in America. But he contributed so tribution to music, rock and roll. He was born in McComb, Mississippi, as much more than that, and it would be I reserve the balance of my time. Ellas Otha Bates. He was adopted and raised hard to overstate his importance to the Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I by his mother’s cousin, Gussie McDaniel, music world. yield myself as much time as I may whose surname he assumed, becoming Ellas He quite literally played to his own consume. McDaniel. beat, actually called the ‘‘Bo Diddley Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this His family moved to Chicago when he was beat.’’ And to this day, that beat is a resolution honoring Bo Diddley, the the tender age of seven. There, he took violin rock and roll staple. You hear it in the great guitar player and rock and roll lessons, but was inspired to become a music of Buddy Holly, the Rolling musician. guitarist after seeing John Lee Hooker. Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and count- He was born Ellas Otha Bates, but he He worked as a carpenter, mechanic, and less others. came to be known by the nickname Bo began his musical career with his friends in But Bo Diddley was no mere one-beat Diddley. It came to be an ironic nick- the 40s and 50s. In 1955, he released his #1 wonder. He introduced a rich com- name indeed, and refers to ‘‘nothing at R&B hit, called ‘‘Bo Diddley.’’ plexity of driving rhythms and cross- all,’’ as in, ‘‘he ain’t bo diddly,’’ or in He appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show on rhythms, building on African American my neighborhood, ‘‘you don’t know bo November 20, 1955. During that appearance, traditions from the Cuban clave, to the diddly.’’ he sang his hit ‘‘Bo Diddley.’’ He continued to hambone of the Chicago street, to the Well, far from becoming nothing at have hits through the late 1950s and the shout of the church. all, Bo Diddley started playing in Chi- 1960s. In 1963, he starred in a U.K. concert He not only laid the cornerstone for cago’s South Side and rose to become tour with the Everly Brothers and Little Rich- rock and roll, he also laid the ground- one of the greatest rock and roll musi- ard. The Rolling Stones, still unknown at that work for rap music and, by mixing in cians of all time. His song ‘‘Bo time, appeared much lower on the same bill. elements of classical violin technique, Diddley’’ became a number one rhythm He would play with the Rolling Stones years also for funk. He was also a pioneer in and blues hit as far back as 1955. later in 1979. He would play with the Grateful the use of reverb, tremolo, sustain, dis- Through songs such as ‘‘Who Do You Dead, The Clash. His music was covered by tortion and feedback, all essential in- Love,’’ he established the now famous countless American musicians ranging from gredients in heavy metal and psyche- , a rumba like sound Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, U2, The delic rock. that mimics the sounds made by street Who, The Police, , George Mi- To help round out the Bo Diddley musicians who would pat beats to chael, and , to name a few. His beat with what he called ‘‘that freight songs by slapping their arms, legs, music is timeless. train sound,’’ he persuaded Jerome chest and cheeks. Diddley’s song ‘‘Who Do You Love’’ can be Green to set aside the tuba and take up Bo Diddley headlined above the Roll- heard in the intro credits to the movie La the maracas and added Billy Boy Ar- ing Stones. He appeared with the Clash Bamba. He appeared on a 2003 episode of nold on the harmonica. and the Grateful Dead and wrote many the sitcom According to Jim entitled ‘‘Bo His band may also have been the first crossover hits that appealed to music Diddley,’’ had a small role in the film Trading to feature a woman on guitar, first lovers everywhere. And he was one of Places, starring Eddie Murphy and Dan , then known on stage as the first major male musicians to in- Aykroyd, and appeared in George ‘‘Lady Bo,’’ in the late 1950s, and then clude a woman in his band. Thorogood’s ‘‘Bad to the Bone’’ video. The when she left, Norma Jean Wofford, He was inducted in the Rock and Roll song ‘‘Bad to the Bone’’ is a rework of a.k.a. ‘‘the Duchess.’’ He also invented Hall of Fame in 1987. In 1996, he re- Diddley’s ‘‘I’m A Man.’’ ’s 1992 two well-known guitar designs, the ceived a Lifetime Achievement Award ‘‘Unplugged’’ included a cover of Diddley’s square guitar, and the Flying V. And from the Rhythm and Blues Founda- ‘‘.’’ he may have been the first to build his tion, and in 1998 from the Grammy On his music Bo Diddley once said ‘‘I don’t own home recording studio, right here Awards. magazine listed like to copy anybody. Everybody tries to do in Washington, DC. him at Number 20 on their list of the what I do, update it,’’ he is quoted as telling As the preeminent rock historian Greatest Artists of All Time. the Associated Press. ‘‘I don’t have any idols Robert Palmer observed a few years When Bo Diddley passed away on I copied after.’’ ago, and I quote, ‘‘If the musical copy- June 2 at the age of 79, he was sur- ‘‘They copied everything I did, upgraded it, right laws of the United States more rounded by his friends and family, who messed it up. It seems to me that nobody can accurately reflected the way American sang the gospel song ‘‘Walk Around come up with their own thing, they have to put vernacular music is created and dis- Heaven.’’ a little bit of Bo Diddley there,’’ he said. seminated, Bo Diddley would be a Mr. Speaker, I never knew Bo He has left an indelible mark on American wealthy man today.’’ Diddley, but I know he touched my life music. The founder of rock and roll. He was But Bo Diddley never did become a and that of all of us. Walk around a tremendous musician and he had over a wealthy man. Despite all his hard work heaven, indeed, Bo Diddley. half-century of experience in the music busi- and his invaluable cultural contribu- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ness. He was a mastermind, a genius, he was tions, he had to stay on the road right I rise today in strong supoprt of H. Res. 1251 Bo Diddley. We honor him and his tremen- up until the time a stroke forced him ‘‘A resolution regarding the passing of Bo dous contribution to American music. Heaven

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:59 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H09JN8.000 H09JN8 WReier-Aviles on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BOUND RECORD 11844 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 9 June 9, 2008 is a sweeter place now that Bo Diddley is on the subject of underpayment, bad contracts roads and highways, and in homes and com- there. And, the angels are surely . and other rip-offs that denied many early rock munities; Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to and rollers (he among them) what was due Whereas since the summer season is a time draw attention to the life and legacy of a man of increased rates of preventable injuries and them and in 1987 he was inducted into the death, it is an appropriate time to focus the whose work in Rock ’n’ Roll has been called Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame. attention of our workforce and community ‘‘ground breaking.’’ Bo Diddley was born Ellas A regular at Harlem’s Apollo Theatre, Bo leaders on injury risks and preventions by Otha Bates in McComb, Mississippi, on De- Diddley has indelibly stamped his mark on celebrating June 2008 as ‘‘National Safety cember 30, 1928 and passed away on June 2, rhythm and blues, rock ’n’ roll and popular Month’’; and 2008 at the age of 79. music. His innovative trademark rhythm, his Whereas the National Safety Council in Diddley was raised by his mother’s cousin, electric custom built cigar box guitar, and his 2008 as part of its public education about Gussie McDaniel, whose surname he legally wild stage shows predate all others. Diddley safety and health will provide this Nation a adopted. The family moved to Chicago when monthlong campaign in June with the theme leaves a permanent mark on American music ‘‘Make a Difference’’: Now, therefore, be it Diddley was seven. Bo broke new ground in and culture, and our deepest sympathies go Resolved, That the United States House of rock and roll’s formative years with his unique out to his family, friends and fans. The ’Bo Representatives— guitar work, indelible African rhythms, inven- Diddley beat’ surely will continue on. (1) supports the designation of ‘‘National tive songwriting, and larger-than-life persona. Mr. KING of Iowa. I urge adoption, Safety Month’’; He will forever be known for popularizing one and I yield back the balance of my (2) recognizes the contributions of the Na- of the foundational rhythms of rock and roll: time. tional Safety Council and its ongoing com- the Bo Diddley beat. He employed it in his Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. mitment to raising awareness about the need for the implementation of safe practices in namesake song, ‘‘Bo Diddley’’ (which earned Speaker, I urge adoption of H. Res. 1251 our schools and jobs; and him a rightful place in the Grammy Hall Of and yield back the balance of my time. (3) encourages citizens to observe the ‘‘Na- Fame). This African-based rhythm pattern was The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. tional Safety Month’’ with appropriate cere- picked up from Diddley by other artists and SIRES). The question is on the motion monies and educate themselves about the has been a distinctive and recurring element offered by the gentlewoman from Cali- importance of implementing safe practices in rock and roll through the decades. His fornia (Ms. ZOE LOFGREN) that the in our schools and on our jobs to prevent un- beats have influenced the music of artists House suspend the rules and agree to intentional injury and death. such as Buddy Holly, the Rolling Stones, the resolution, H. Res. 1251. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- , the Strangeloves, , and The question was taken; and (two- ant to the rule, gentleman from Ken- Bruce Springsteen. thirds being in the affirmative) the tucky (Mr. YARMUTH) and the gen- Diddley is the author of a body of songs— rules were suspended and the resolu- tleman from New York (Mr. KUHL) each including ‘‘Who Do You Love?’’ ‘‘Road Run- tion was agreed to. will control 20 minutes. The Chair rec- ner,’’ ‘‘Mona,’’ ‘‘Before You Accuse Me’’ and A motion to reconsider was laid on ognizes the gentleman from Kentucky. ‘‘I’m a Man’’—that are among the earliest ex- the table. GENERAL LEAVE Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I re- amples of rock and roll rising out of rhythm f and blues. Diddley married into his music two quest 5 legislative days during which worlds he knew well—the Deep South and the NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH Members may revise and extend and in- streets of Chicago. He formed a band called Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I move sert extraneous material on H. Res. the Hipsters while in high school and landed to suspend the rules and agree to the 1225 into the RECORD. a regular spot at the 708 Club on Chicago’s resolution (H. Res. 1225) expressing sup- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there South Side in 1951. port for designation of June 2008 as objection to the request of the gen- Diddley’s earliest records were contempora- ‘‘National Safety Month’’. tleman from Kentucky? neous with those of label mate . There was no objection. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I yield He signed with the Checkers label in 1955 tion. myself as much time as I may con- and his debut single was a two-sided classic The text of the resolution is as fol- sume. that paired ‘‘Bo Diddley’’ with ‘‘I’m a Man.’’ It lows: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support was the first in a string of groundbreaking H. RES. 1225 of H. Res. 1225, which recognizes the songs that walked the fine line between Whereas, after years of decline, the rate of month of June as National Safety rhythm & blues and rock & roll. Others in- unintentional injuries and deaths in the Month and commends the National cluded ‘‘,’’ ‘‘’’ and United States has risen to new and unaccept- Safety Council for their ongoing mis- ‘‘Road Runner,’’ which were all Top Twenty able levels; sion to educate and influence the pub- R&B hits. Oddly, Diddley’s only crossover suc- Whereas deaths from motor vehicle colli- lic on the prevention of accidental in- sions, poisonings from unintentional cess came with ‘‘,’’ a laugh-filled ex- jury and death. change of jive talk between Diddley and his overdoses, and falls remain as the three lead- ing causes of preventable death in the United In 1912 the National Safety Council maraca player, . Their verbal States; was established by a small group of sparring derived from the African-American Whereas the cost of unintentional injuries midwestern industrial leaders con- pastime of ‘‘signifying’ or ‘‘doing the dozens’’ to Americans exceeds $650,000,000,000 each cerned about safety in the workplace. and foreshadowed the battle rapping of the year and causes great suffering among indi- Since then, the council has broadened present day. viduals and their families; its scope to include the home, trans- Diddley was also an inventor, devising his Whereas the cost of unintentional injuries portation and the community. Its own tremolo effect and playing a unique, rec- to workers and their employers is membership has grown to over 18,000 tangular ‘‘cigar box’’ guitar that he designed in $164,700,000,000 each year, including the value companies spanning more than 33,000 1958. His ever-fertile mind also inspired him to of 120,000,000 days of lost productivity; Whereas preventing unintentional injury locations. Altogether, the council rep- set up one of the first home studios. The pro- and death requires the cooperation of all lev- resents 8.3 million employees across lific singer/guitarist released a string of albums els of government, the Nation’s employers, the Nation. whose titles—including Bo Diddley Is a and the general public; In 1953, a congressional charter was Gunslinger and Have Guitar, Will Travel—bol- Whereas the National Safety Council, granted to the National Safety Council stered his self-invented legend. founded in 1913, was congressionally char- to lead the country in injury preven- Diddley also traveled with the rock and roll tered in 1953 to lead this Nation in injury tion through safety education and revues of the day. He retained his iconic sta- prevention through safety and health edu- training. The council has had a great tus as a rock and roll pioneer, steadily releas- cation, training, and advocacy in the United impact on the local level by providing States; ing albums on Checkers through the mid-Sev- Whereas the National Safety Council edu- a variety of community-based pro- enties. Meanwhile, Diddley continued to work cates the workforce about policies, practices, grams and services, including work- the live circuit in tireless fashion. and procedures leading to increased safety, shops, training, conferences, and by Bo Diddley was one of rock ’n’ roll’s true protection, and health in business and indus- providing a local voice for safety and pioneers. He has been righteously outspoken try, as well as in schools and colleges, on health education.

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