First annual Bo Diddley “Originator” award to be presented

The Bo Diddley Foundation and the City of Archer will present the First Annual Bo Diddley “Originator” Award to Dr. John Duff, the Director of the School of Music, College of Fine Arts at the University of Florida in Gainesville.  The award will be presented to Dr. Duff at a gala fundraising dinner on Thursday evening, Dec. 30 at the Archer Community School in Archer.

The awards dinner in Archer will be one of three similar events that will take place simultaneously across the country on Dec. 30, which would have been Bo’s 82nd birthday.  The two other events will be in McComb, Miss. and Chicago, Ill.  The legendary Bo Diddley was born in McComb, grew up on the streets of Chicago, and lived in Archer, for many years prior to his death in June 2008.

The dinner in Archer will be preceded by a reception and silent auction featuring items signed by actress/singer Vanessa Williams, Tom Petty, George Thorogood, Les Paul, and much more. Tickets start at $35 per person; premium and VIP sponsorships, tables, and seats are also available.

Proceeds from the Originator Awards dinner will benefit The Bo Diddley Foundation and City of Archer programs that focus on educating and uplifting Archer's youth in and around the Archer area, thereby continuing the type support Bo Diddley generously gave during this lifetime. The Archer Community School will also select a deserving student to receive a $500 scholarship.

“Dr. Duff was chosen to receive the inaugural Bo Diddley ‘Originator’ Award because he embodies all of the qualities we envisioned for the award,” said Faith Fusillo, a Bo Diddley Foundation Board Member and the Co-Managing Partner of Bo Diddley's Estate.  “Like Bo Diddley, who was a true American original who left an indelible mark on the musical lives of so many people, Dr. Duff's dedication to his work in and out of the classroom has enriched the lives of people, young and old."

Bo Diddley is nicknamed "The Originator" because of his innovative style and rhythm that changed the course of music in the 1950s. Bo was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and received numerous awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In addition to the Dec. 30 awards dinner, the "Bo Diddley All-Star Classic" - a family day of music, a talent showcase, vendors, youth football games, and more - is planned for Jan.1 at the Wilson Robinson Pavilion in Archer.