Thursday, November 21A Tribute to Dick Dale, the King of Surf Guitar

Dick Dale’s life and musical career:

  • Dick Dale was an American guitarist who pioneered the surf rock genre in the 1960s. His unique playing style blended Middle Eastern influences with rockabilly and electric guitar techniques.
  • Born Richard Monsour in 1937, Dale learned piano as a child but gravitated toward the guitar, playing it left-handed and upside down. His Lebanese heritage influenced his use of Middle Eastern scales and picking techniques.
  • In the early 1960s, Dale rose to fame in the emerging surf rock scene in Southern California with his band The Del-Tones. Songs like “Let’s Go Trippin'”, “Pipeline” and his version of “Misirlou” showcased his signature wet, reverberant guitar sound.
  • Dale’s rapid alternate picking style, reminiscent of ocean waves crashing, was a defining feature of surf rock. His 1962 album ‘Surfer’s Choice’ (View Discography) was influential in popularizing the genre.
  • Blending diverse musical influences, Dale crafted a distinct sound that incorporated rockabilly, R&B, and Middle Eastern elements. This innovative fusion left a lasting impact on guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen.
  • Dale continued performing and recording surf rock throughout his career. His music had a popular revival when “Misirlou” was featured in the 1994 film Pulp Fiction, reaffirming his legacy.
  • As the pioneering ‘King of the Surf Guitar,’ Dale played a major role in shaping rock music in the 1960s and beyond through his iconic sound and skillful, unconventional guitar playing.

Essential Dick Dale Facts

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