Remembering Dick Dale

(*Illustration By Paul King Art) Richard Anthony Monsour was born in Boston, MA, which of course everyone knows, is the home of surfing and surf music. 

Young Richard bought his first guitar from a friend for $8. Dale took off for the sun and fun of California and settled in El Segundo where he once left his wallet. 

Dale’s performances at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa in 1961 are credited with the creation of the surf music phenomenon. Dale obtained permission to use the 3,000 person capacity ballroom for surfer dances after overcrowding at a local ice cream parlor, where he performed made him seek other venues.The Rendezvous ownership and the city of Newport Beach agreed to Dale’s request on the condition that he prohibit alcohol sales and implement a dress code. Bikinis optional. Dale’s events at the ballrooms, called “stomps,” quickly became legendary, and the events routinely sold out.

Dick became the King of The Surf Guitar and Surf Music. His single “Misirlou” topped the charts and he was a regular on The Ed Sullivan show. Dale also performed in the classic films, “Beach Party” and “Muscle Beach Party”. Dale rode the crest of the wave until 1964 when The Beatles showed up and basically put an end to the surf and surf music craze. 

Dick Dale passed away March 16, 2019, at the age of 81. He is a guitar and music legend.