Rock music legend Bo Diddley dies

(CNN) - Rock and roll pioneer Bo Diddley, whose signature beat laid the foundation for tunes for decades to come, died Monday at age 79 at his home in Florida, his family said.

Diddley was a contemporary of Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and Elvis Presley during the early days of the genre. The rhythm he laid down on tunes like "Who Do You Love" and "Bo Diddley" is now widely known as the "Bo Diddley" beat.

Diddley, born Ellas Otha Bates, died of heart failure, his family said.