Wofford, Norma-Jean

Known as “The Duchess,” Norma-Jean Wofford was most famous for her role as a guitarist in Bo Diddley’s band.

Wofford, who grew up in Pittsburgh, began working with Diddley in the late 1950s. She replaced his prior guitarist—”Lady Bo,” also known as Peggy Jones—in the early 1960s. Diddley reportedly pretended that Wofford was his sister in order to more effectively take protective stance toward her when band was out on tour. The Duchess was an important enough member of the band that she was sometimes given second billing in advertising for Diddley’s shows, but ultimately it is difficult to determine her credits on his recordings with certainty.

Advertisement, Manitowoc Herald-Times (Wisconsin), 25 August 1964.

Ben Ratliff, “Bo Diddley, Who Gave Rock His Beat, Dies at 79,” New York Times, 3 June 2008.

Bruce Eder, “The Dutchess,” Allmusic.com, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-duchess-mn0000212595 (accessed 12 December 2018).


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