The Challengers Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Formed

1963 Los Angeles, CA

Members

Art Fisher, Richard Delvy, Richard Delvecchio, Ed Fournier, Randy Nauert, Randy Navert, Phillip Pruden

Biography

One of the most popular of the early Southern Californian surf bands, the Challengers were formed by drummer Richard Delvy after he left the Bel-Airs, who had recorded one of the very first surf singles, "Mr. Moto." Their debut LP, Surfbeat (early 1963), was one of the very first all-instrumental surf albums and sold 200,000 copies, an astronomical number for a regional act. Recording several albums over the next couple of years, most of their repertoire consisted of covers of popular rock and surf tunes; undeniably exciting at the time, their lack of originality can make their work generic to wade through. The moody "K-39," also available on surf compilations, is their most famous cut. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide