"A Man Amongst Men" album poster, 1996

The Ellas B. McDaniel (Bo Diddley) Collection dates from 1957 to 2009 and largely represents the latter half of Bo Diddley's life and career from the 1980s to his death in 2008. The collection includes publications, correspondence, contracts, concert posters, tour itineraries, lyrics, albums, photographs, awards, instruments, clothes, and artifacts.

Series 1: "Publications, 1966-2007" contains newspaper and magazine articles written about Bo Diddley. Most of the articles were written about specific Bo Diddley concerts, but many also include interviews with Bo Diddley and document his life and career. This series is arranged chronologically.

Series 2: "Correspondence, 1963-2006" contains fan letters, personal correspondence, and business correspondence.

Series 3: "Contracts, 1966-2006" contains Bo Diddley's copies of contracts primarily for performance appearances, some of which are signed by Bo Diddley. Most of the contracts were through Talent Consultants International (TCI). The series is arranged alphabetically by contract agency with TCI contracts arranged chronologically.

Series 4: "Concert posters, handbills, and programs, 1957-2007" primarily contains posters, handbills, and programs for Bo Diddley's concerts, tours, and appearances. Many of these items are for international concerts including those in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Greece, France, Japan, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, and other countries. This series is arranged chronologically. Many of the posters are oversized and housed separately.

Series 5: "Itineraries, 1963-2005" primarily contains itineraries for Bo Diddely's international tours during the 1980s. Also included are monthly itineraries for the mid 1960s and 2000s. The series is arranged chronologically.

Series 6: "Music, lyrics, and albums, 1970-1999" contains handwritten lyrics and music written by Bo Diddley and other authors. Most of these are undated and some are unidentified. They may date back earlier or later than the listed dates for this series. Also, included are Bo Diddley's albums and chart information. The series is arranged by subject and chronologically.

Series 7: "Photographs, 1960s-2007" primarily contains photographs of Bo Diddley. Also, included are photographs of the women he performed with including Norma-Jean Wofford (The Duchess), Peggy Jones (Lady Bo), and Debbie Hastings. A framed painting is also included in the series. The series is arranged by subject and chronologically.

Series 8: "Awards, 1960-2009" contains plaques and awards presented to Bo Diddley. Most notable is his National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences - Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The series is arranged chronologically.

Series 9: "Instruments and equipment" contains instruments belonging to Bo Diddley including custom built guitars, a Kalimba, and a tambourine. Also included is musical equipment including amps, pedals, and other electronic equipment. Most of these items are oversized and stored off-site, please speak with an archivist before requesting access.

Series 10: "Clothes, undated" contains clothing belonging to Bo Diddley, some of which was worn during his performances. These items are stored off-site, please speak with an archivist before requesting access.

Series 11: "Artifacts and miscellany, 1975-2000s" contains a variety of items including hats, sketches by Bo Diddley, concert passes, and other miscellany.