R.I.P. Bo Diddley

We've lost another musical legend.

Bo Diddley didn't invent Rock and Roll, but he gave it one of its most well known rhythm guitar signatures, and a slew of his songs were recorded by rock bands who became more famous and much more wealthy than he did performing his songs. From MSNBC:

Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock ’n’ roll whose distinctive “shave and a haircut, two bits” rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians, died Monday after months of ill health. He was 79.

The legendary singer and performer, known for his homemade square guitar, dark glasses and black hat, was an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, had a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and received a lifetime achievement award in 1999 at the Grammy Awards.

Rest in Peace Bo, and tell 'em who put the "rock" in "rock and roll" on your way out.



Updated: Bo goes out rocking.

So Uh, Why Now Barbara Walters?

In pretty much every case infidelity is a bad thing. And like the old folks used to stay, "whatever happens in the dark, eventually comes out in the light." I guess that's the case with former Sen. Edward Brooke, as Barbara Walters let the cat out of the bag that they were getting it on thirty years ago.

When I heard this, the first thought that came to my mind was "well, at least Mr. Brooke ain't around to have his reputation and family destroyed by this revelation."

I was wrong. Edward Brooke is still very much alive and living with his second wife in Florida.

Now, usually I don't even bother with who's sleeping with who, but something about this bothered me. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I found a post that hit the nail on the head. It's from over at Sojourner's Place, and you really should go read the whole thing, but here's an excerpt.

It will never cease to amaze me just how much white folks take their white privilege for granted; and Barbara Waters's "come clean" announcement on Oprah is just one more example of this. It seems Walters wanted to come clean about an affair she had with Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts over 30 years ago. And she does so, without any regard to the impact this revelation would have on Brooke's, or his family.

... The Associated Press article breaking this story, makes no mention of whether there were attempts to contact Brookes before writing or going on Oprah and telling all of hers and his business. One can only assume that since this is not mentioned, that she nor her publicist thought that detail important. Further, the article does not speak to any mention from Walters what part this affair may have played on Brooke's first marriage which, ended in divorce.

Definitely an interesting point of view, and it does sum things up. Brooke for his part kept it simple by declining to comment when asked by the AP.

"I have had a lifetime policy and practice of not discussing my personal and private life, or the personal and private lives of others, with the notable exception of what I wrote in my recently published autobiography, `Bridging the Divide: My Life,'" he told The Associated Press in a phone interview from Miami.

The end result is that his reputation will definitely take a negative hit, and there's no telling how this will impact his family and legacy. Or as my wife says, he's getting what he deserves.

In the meantime, Barbara Walters celebrity will only increase. After all she defied the odds by going Black and coming back. That'll sell some books all by itself, regardless of the Oprah factor. I'm glad Mr. Brooke managed to at least get a plug in for his book too.

Jackson Five Reuniting

They're gonna make a (another) fortune.

Jermaine Jackson says he and his brothers are plotting a reunion tour, with brother Michael set to play a part. The bass guitarist and singer told BBC 6 Music that "sometime in 2008," fans can expect a full scale reunion of the group that scored big in the 1970's with "ABC," "I Want You Back" and "Never Can Say Goodbye.

I guess I'll start saving my money because my daughter loves their music just as much today as I did when I was a kid. So, will you be there?

It's Cheaper To Keep Her

As if you needed more proof of the wisdom of those words, from the Cleveland Leader:

Basketball superstar Michael Jordan and his wife of 17 years separated last year, and now the divorce is nearly finalized. Jordan is now a part of one of the most expensive celebrity divorces of all time, handing over $168 million to his lovely ex-wife Juanita Jordan.

In addition to the $168 mil, Juanita will also get their seven-acre estate in Chicago, as well as custody of their three kids.