It’s a sad, sad day in the music world.

Bo Diddley, legendary rock and roll singer, songwriter, guitarist and an overall amazing performer has passed away.

He died of heart failure at his home in Florida.  He was 79.

And he said it best about who he was and what he meant to rock and roll, saying “I was the first dude out there.”

He was the pioneering performer known as “The Originator,” whose shuffling rhythm guitar sound can be found in the hits by everyone from Buddy Holly to George Michael.

“Tell everybody you never get too old to rock ‘n’ roll,” Diddley told National Public Radio in 2007.

He woulda been such a cool grandpa I bet.  And dad, brother, uncle…he was just all around cool.

Here’s to you, Bo Diddley!