Bo Diddley ~ Portrait Format ~ Performs "Bo Diddley" on Ed Sullivan (1955)

Watch the entire performance in portrait format. On November 20, 1955, Bo Diddley stepped onto the stage of The Ed Sullivan Show and delivered one of the most iconic and controversial performances in television history. Scheduled to sing “Sixteen Tons,” he instead launched into his own groundbreaking hit “Bo Diddley”, introducing millions of viewers to the raw, hypnotic rhythm that would become known as the Bo Diddley beat.
This moment wasn’t just a performance — it was a cultural shockwave. With his signature square guitar, swagger, and relentless groove, Bo Diddley helped push rock ’n’ roll into the mainstream and challenged the rigid expectations of 1950s network television.
Restored and preserved for modern audiences, this clip is essential viewing for fans of early rock, rhythm & blues, and music history.
Enjoy this legendary moment that changed everything.
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