'The Black Gladiator' was released in 1970 on Chess Records, marking Bo Diddley's return to the company after a brief stint with other labels. The album reflects experimentation with the funk and soul of the era.
The recording includes collaborations with session musicians and shows Diddley adapting his style to early 1970s trends. The cover features an iconic image of the artist with a rectangular guitar.
Although not a massive commercial success, the album is remembered for its energy and for being one of Diddley's last works on Chess before the label declined.