Diddley out of intensive care

Legendary musician Bo Diddley was moved out of intensive care last night, according to his publicist.

The 78-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist has been in hospital since May 13, after suffering a stroke while performing a show at an Iowa casino in the US.

Faith Fusillo, Diddley's business manager, said the star has little or no physical limitations from the stroke, except difficulty with speech and speech recognition.

"I was able to speak with him by phone this morning," Fusillo said. "He wanted to know where his stuff was: his guitar and the money from the gig. I was so happy because this is the Bo that I know and love, and a real indication that Bo is on his way back."

Diddley, with his black glasses and low-slung guitar, has been an icon in the music industry since he topped the R&B charts with Bo Diddley in 1955. His other hits include 'Who Do You Love', 'Before You Accuse Me', 'Mona' and 'I'm a Man'.

Diddley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and was given a lifetime achievement Grammy in 1998.