In the early 1960s, an instrumental, electric guitar rock sound alluding to the California surf trend was born. This sunny world, a symbol of freedom, dating in bathing suits, big waves and suntanned athletes soon inspired songs on this theme. Bruno Blum reflects on the roots and birth of surf rock and it's precursors, unveiling and commenting on compelling recordings by Sol Ho'opi'i from Hawaii, Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy and some early surf rock performers including The Ventures, Dick Dale and The Revels. And of course vocal groups such as the Beach Boys, who started off singing about the surf world, an integral part of the American myth.
