Bo Diddley - I'm a Man Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote and recorded 'I'm a Man'?

   'I'm a Man' was written and recorded by Bo Diddley in 1955. It was one of his first hits.

2. What inspired Bo Diddley's 'I'm a Man'?

   'I'm a Man' was inspired by Muddy Waters' 1954 song 'Hoochie Coochie Man,' which was written by Willie Dixon.

3. Which famous artists have covered 'I'm a Man'?

   'I'm a Man' has been covered by various artists, including The Yardbirds, who adapted it into an upbeat rock style. Other notable covers include versions by The Who, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and The Yardbirds featuring Jimmy Page.

4. What is the significance of the spelling out of M-A-N in the song?

   The spelling out of M-A-N in the song emphasizes Bo Diddley's assertion of his manhood. This technique was also used by Muddy Waters in his answer song 'Mannish Boy,' highlighting the importance of being recognized as a man rather than being demeaned as a boy.

5. Did 'I'm a Man' achieve commercial success?

   'I'm a Man' was released as the B-side to Bo Diddley's first single in April 1955. The single became a two-sided hit and reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart.

6. What instruments are featured in 'I'm a Man'?

   'I'm a Man' features Bo Diddley on vocals and guitar, Frank Kirkland on drums, Jerome Green on maracas, Lester Davenport on harmonica, and either Otis Spann or Henry Gray on piano. There are conflicting accounts regarding some instrumental backing musicians.