Legendary musician Bo Diddley has died at the aged of 79 at his home in Florida, a spokeswoman for the star has confirmed.

Susan Clary said that the influential musician had been suffering from ill health for some time and that he was surrounded by family and loved ones.

Diddley is often cited as one of the key pioneers behind blues music's transition into rock’n’roll. He was noted for adding reverb and tremelo effects to traditional electric guitar.

The musician hadn’t performed since suffering a heart attack in August 2007, three months after he suffered a stroke while on tour in Iowa.

The musician, who was famously recognisable for his square guitar, dark glasses and black hat, was an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He also had a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame and was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award at the 1999 Grammy Awards.

(by Jason Gregory)