Date of Birth: May 4, 1937
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: March 16, 2019
Biography
Dick Dale, born Richard Anthony Monsour, was an American rock guitarist, known as “The King of the Surf Guitar.” He was born on May 4, 1937, in Boston, Massachusetts. Dale is widely considered to be one of the most influential guitarists of all time, particularly in the surf rock genre. He is credited with pioneering the use of reverb in music, which became a hallmark of surf rock. With a Lebanese father and a Polish mother, Dale’s unique cultural background influenced his musical style, integrating Middle Eastern scales into his compositions. Dale’s career took off in the early 1960s with hits like “Misirlou,” which became an iconic surf rock anthem. His aggressive playing style, often using fast picking techniques, set him apart from his contemporaries. Throughout his career, Dale collaborated with numerous artists and his music has been featured in various films, most notably Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.” Despite facing numerous health challenges, including cancer and diabetes, Dale continued to perform live well into his later years. He passed away on March 16, 2019, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Dick Dale
1. Dick Dale was a self-taught guitarist and could play both left-handed and right-handed.
2. His song “Misirlou” became famous again in the 1990s after being featured in the opening credits of Quentin Tarantino’s film “Pulp Fiction.”
3. Dale was an avid surfer and much of his music was inspired by the ocean.
4. He worked closely with Fender to develop custom amplifiers that could withstand his aggressive playing style.
5. Dale held a black belt in martial arts, which he credited for giving him the discipline needed in his music career.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dick Dale
1. “I don’t play pyrotechnic scales. I play about frustration, patience, anger.”
2. “When I play, I feel like I’m painting a picture. I get the same feeling from my guitar that I used to get from drawing.”
3. “Every time I play, it’s like I’m cutting my chest open and letting the audience in.”
4. “Music is an extension of my soul. It’s the way I express myself.”
5. “I wanted to create a sound that was unique, something that no one else was doing.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Dick Dale’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Dick Dale had one son, James Dale, who also became a musician and often performed with his father in his later years.
Relevant Links
1. [Dick Dale on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Dale
2. [Dick Dale’s Official Website](http://www.dickdale.com/
4. [Interview with Dick Dale on NPR](https://www.npr.org/2015/02/13/385912148/dick-dale-surfs-on
5. [Dick Dale’s “Misirlou” on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIU0RMV_II8
