Richard Delvy was a pioneering surf-rock drummer, composer, arranger, publisher and producer.



Born on April 20, 1942, in Bridgeport, Conn., Richard Delvy relocated to Southern California and became the drummer for the Bel-Airs, one of the earliest surf-rock groups. The band had a regional hit with the instrumental Mr. Moto, which was covered by acts including the Ventures and Dick Dale and His Del-Tones.



The original track was included in Rhino's 1996 four-disc compilation 'Cowabunga! The Surf Box'.



Richard Delvy later formed the Challengers and produced its 1963 debut album, "Surfbeat," which sold well and helped solidify the polarity of surf music and culture.



Richard Delvy died February 6, 2010 at West Hills Hospital in California after a long illness. He was 67 years old.