Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bo Diddley has died at age 79 in Florida.

According to his spokeswoman, Bo Diddley died of heart failure. He had suffered a heart attack in August 2007, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa.

Doctors said the stroke affected his ability to speak, and he had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation.

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Diddley was known for his homemade square guitar, dark glasses and black hat. His first single, "Bo Diddley," introduced record buyers in 1955 to his signature rhythm: bomp ba-bomp bomp, bomp bomp, often summarized as "shave and a haircut, two bits." "I'm a Man," with its slightly humorous take on macho pride, also became a rock standard.

The world-renowned guitarist's signature beat laid the foundation for rock 'n' roll for decades, and became so identified with him that it became known as the "Bo Diddley" beat, CNN notes.