Dick Dale The King of the Surf Guitar. Dead at 82

Dick Dale, known as “King of The Surf Guitar,” has passed away, sources said on Sunday.

Dale, who had been quietly suffering health issues for many years, was considered a  leader in the surf guitar genre. Dale was 82.

Born Richard Anthony Monsour, his famous songs, like “Miserlou,” and many others have become part of the American music fabric.

Dale created the sound of the surf guitar by working with Middle Eastern music scales applied to a driving beat.

He performed up until the very end and once told CaliforniaRocker.com that performing was what was keeping him alive.

“They say ‘Why don’t you retire, Dick?’”  Dale said.  “Well, there are two reasons I don’t retire: Playing music keeps me alive, and my music helps others.”