Instrumental rock and roll pioneered by such performers as Duane Eddy, Link Wray and The Ventures. Surf rock was developed by Dick Dale and The Deltones, who added the distinctive “wet” reverb, rapid alternative picking and Middle Eastern/Mexican influences…think “Miserlou” (1962). Though most early surf bands were formed in Southern California (Bel-Airs, the Challengers, Eddie and the Showmen) other groups crossed over to the genre. The Astronauts, from Boulder Colorado, The Trashmen, from Minneapolis, Minnesota (Surfin Bird 1964) and The Rivieras, from South Bend, Indiana (California Sun 1964). Probably the best known surf tune is 1963’s “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris.
Surf music achieved it’s greatest commercial success as vocal music, particularly the work of the Beach Boys (a personal favorite – I’m an LA girl, born and bred), formed in 1961 Southern California…you know the songs… J The surf music craze and the careers of almost all surf acts was effectively ended by the British Invasion of 1964. Only the Beach Boys were able to sustain a creative career, they produced a string of hit singles and albums, which made them the only American rock act that could rival The Beatles.