The Surfaris

The Surfaris are a surf rock group that was formed in Glendora, California, in 1962. The original line-up was Ronald Wilson (drums and vocals), Jim Fuller (lead guitarist and vocals), Patrick Connolly (bass and vocals), Robert Berryhill (rhythm guitar) and Jim Pash (saxophone and organ). The group was still in high school when they recorded their breakthrough smash signature song, "Wipe Out. " An extremely dynamic and exciting instrumental that's highlighted by Wilson's fiercely energetic drumming, a hard-driving beat and a wild hyena-like maniacal laugh (done by manager Dale Smallin) at the very start of the song, "Wipe Out" went all the way to #2 on the Billboard pop charts and sold over a million copies. Both the amusing novelty tune "Surfer Joe" and the thrilling instrumental "Point Panic" were also modest chart hits.

Had a #2 instrumental hit, "Wipe Out", in 1963. The laughing voice at the beginning of the record belonged to their manager, Dale Smallin. The loud "crack" that precedes it was achieved by splitting a piece of plywood directly in front of a microphone.

The Surfaris recorded about a half-dozen albums and a slew of singles before disbanding in 1966.

Drummer Ronald Wilson suffered a brain aneurysm in 1989 (his medical bills took all of his money and he died in poverty). Saxophonist Jim Pash died from heart failure in April 2005.

Widely hailed as one of the great surfing anthems, "Wipe Out" has graced the soundtracks to such movies as Surf's Up (2007), Herbie Fully Loaded (2005), Little Big League (1994), The Sandlot (1993), Dirty Dancing (1987), Get Crazy (1983) and The Wanderers (1979).