Born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 4th, 1937, Dick Dale popularized and pioneered the sound of instrumental surf music. After moving to California in 1954, he became popular for his country guitar playing. After spending a considerable amount of time hanging out with surfers at the beach, Dick Dale became inspired by the beauty of the ocean and the spirit of the surf culture. In 1961, Dick Dale cut the single, "Let's Go Trippin," which is considered to be the first instrumental surf recording. With his band, the Del-Tones, Dick Dale cut many other great surf instrumentals such as "Miserlou" and "Rumble."

Dick Dale's unique surf style sound is attributed to his motivation from the ocean and surfing. Dick Dale wanted to capture the sound, rhythm and spirit of the ocean in his music. Teaming up with Leo Fender, (The inventor of Fender guitars and guitar amplifiers) Dick Dale helped design the outboard reverb unit, which is what gives electric guitars that echo effect that surf guitar music is noted for.

Dick Dale is still playing surf music, and is also still frequently touring. One of the latest songs he recorded was "Shake and Stomp Part 2"with modern rock guitarist Gary Hoey. This song can be heard on the soundtrack for Bruce Brown's "The Endless Summer II." Dick Dale's "Miserlou" is also on the "Pulp Fiction" soundtrack.