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The Bel-Airs

Artist Info

Formed

1961 Los Angeles, CA

Disbanded

1963

Members

Dick Dodd, Eddie Bertrand, Jim Roberts, Richard Delvy, Paul Johnson, Chas Stewart

Biography

One of the very first instrumental surf combos, this Southern Californian group recorded one of the first big regional surf hits, "Mr. Moto." Its heavily reverbed guitar lines, distinct Mexican melodic influence, and honking sax helped set the prototype for hundreds of songs that would be recorded in the next two to three years. None of the other material the group recorded in the early '60s was as successful or memorable; guitarist Paul Johnson was active decades later, often playing surf-style music. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide

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