I am sorry he has passed away. My band played gigs with many Oldies acts including Bo Diddley, Little Richard, The Five Satins, Drifters, Crests, Lou Christie and Chuck Berry. I am sorry to disagree, he was not that much of an innovator. What he was is a mean spirited, bitter, and jealous man. This was back in the early 70's so I cannot say old he would have been in his early 40's. Sorry this is my personal opinion is based on our interaction and how he conducted himself toward other Artists. Nobody liked the guy when he was alive which is why he did not get a lot of work.
Hey Bobby. Didn't realize how he was, in that respect. Sorry to hear that. I trust what you are saying because I know that folks (especially folks like that) aren't always the same , out of the limelight. I can clearly identify with those you mentioned too! Only one I'm not familiar with (I don't think), is the Crests. What did they sing? Chances are I've heard them too, I've always favored the 50's & 60's (to a point) music. I'm supposing that the others acted properly toward other people, since you haven't said otherwise. I hope so. Did your band make any recordings of your performances? You all must have been pretty good to be out there like that. 
Take care Bobby and thanks for the enlightenment.
Hated to hear it, but not surprised, Bill 
Bill the Crests did the song 16 Candles. They were the first interracial band to get airplay. Their lead singer Johnny Maestro went on to form the Brooklyn Bridge which had a string of hits.
We were a show band that dressed like greasers and we could do the harmonies like the old groups but we had more of a an edge since we could also play acid rock when we were out of costume. A local promoter used us for his oldies shows. A lot of bigger local bands used us in clubs since we were doing a different kind of music. We did a lot of colleges mixers and the like. We went our separate ways after College. It was fun and a decent way to meet chicks.
If you have a good impression of Bo Diddley from a meeting, hold onto that. If you liked the guys music then he did his job as a performer. Chuck Berry was reserved, but he gave us $50.00 out of his pocket and a thank you if we played well.
Okay, 16 Candles I can identify with.I'm not an expert, but a local radio station (that plays 50's, 60's & 70's music) has a "Name That Tune" every weekday at about 7:30-7:45Am and if you win, you get a selected menu item from the local Hardees. Then you have to wait a month before you can try again. I usually know the song (and most of the time, the artist). I just started getting into doing that last year. So far I've won 5 times last year and one this year . Now, the thing is, I've only called in SIX times!
I can usually tell within the 1st 3 notes and sometimes sooner. Now, I'm pretty good with the 50's & 60's (mostly early to mid 60's) songs. When I hear the DJ say that they are going to do the "Name That Tune" next, I get my cellphone out, set the number and get ready. Then when they start it, I know it and push the button. I've gotten to where I can get through first, so far. Now this last time, I was kinda holding off from doing that and he played the little bit, to get the people to call and announced that nobody seemed to know the correct name. I don't remember which one it was now, but I set my phone, pushed the button, got through, answered the question and (once again) I was correct.
Shame that that knowledge doesn't pay anything. It IS kinda cool though, to me anyway.
