Richard Delvy (Born Richard Delvecchio)
April 20, 1942 – February 6, 2010
Richard Delvy is best remembered as the founder and drummer for pioneering surf rock band, the Challengers. Prior to that band, Delvy played in the Belairs, a popular southern California surf band whose “Mr. Moto” was later covered by Dick Dale and the Ventures. In early 1963, the Challengers released their debut album, Surfbeat, and almost overnight, the Southern California beach culture became a craze across the U.S. That release, along with the Beach Boys’ “Surfing Sufari” and the release of Dale’s Surfer’s Choice – all within a few months of each other – are considered the flash point of surf rock. In later years, Delvy worked as a producer, owned his own publishing company, and worked at such labels as MGM and Bell. He was 67 when he passed away on February 6, 2010 following a long illness.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at number 1 albums for the assist.
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