the originator

Bo Diddley (30 December 1928- 2 June 2008)

Bo Diddley (Ellas McDaniel) was one of Jonathan Richman's rhythmic influences, "originating" the 5/4 (African based) beat and playing his box-guitar like a drum

diddy wah diddy

Wikipedia

BBC News

Update: a Bo-bituary by David Hepworth at The Word Magazine