Richard Delvy

Drummer and producer, born April 20, 1942, Bridgeport, Connecticut, died February 2010. Member of the Belairs, one of the earliest surf-rock groups. Their instrumental "Mr. Moto" was covered by acts including the Ventures and Dick Dale and His Del-Tones. Delvy later formed the Challengers and produced their 1963 debut album, "Surfbeat. Moving into the business side, Delvy secured the rights to the Surfaris' "Wipe Out," which hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963, and No. 16 on re-release three years later. The song was a hit again in 1987, this time by rap group the Fat Boys with the Beach Boys. Delvy also acquired the copyright on a number of other songs, including "Mr. Moto" and "Chick-a-Boom (Don't Ya Jes' Love It)," which was a top 10 hit for Daddy Dewdrop in 1971. Delvy later served in executive roles at MGM Music, Carousel Records and Bell Records and was a musical director and arranger on tours by Tony Orlando & Dawn and David Cassidy. He owned the publishing company Miraleste Music.