Biographies

Band Biography

In 1958, Bob Bogle and Don Wilson, formed the nucleus of the original music group, The Ventures. The duo was joined a few years later by Nokie Edwards to record “Walk, Don’t Run”. The song hit Billboard’s Singles Chart on July 18, 1960 and peaked at #2. The band was prolific during the 60’s with touring and recording albums.

Since that spectacular beginning, The Ventures-later joined by Mel Taylor, Gerry McGee, Leon Taylor and Bob Spalding-have gone on to help define an often overlooked branch of rock and roll music-Instrumental Rock. The band is credited by many guitar legends as being an influence on them. Their style and music is certainly unique.

More than 49 years later — with record sales approaching 100 million-with 14 songs that hit the Singles Charts-with 37 LPs that hit the Album Charts-with a lineup that remains solid-The Ventures style and sound is as pure and powerful as ever.

The Ventures are:

Don Wilson – Rhythm Guitar – (co-founder in 1958)
Nokie Edwards – Lead Guitar – (joined in 1960)
Gerry McGee – Lead Guitar – (joined in 1968)
Bob Spalding – Lead Guitar and Bass Guitar – (joined in 1981)
Leon Taylor – Drums – (joined in 1996 after the passing of his father, Mel Taylor)

Bob Bogle – Lead and Bass Guitar – (co-founder in 1958) – Passed away June 14th, 2009
Mel Taylor – Drums – (member from 1962 – 1996) – Passed away August 11th, 1996

The Legend Lives On

The Ventures remain active, recording and touring to the delight of fans around the world. 2007 has been a good year. 2008 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the band, truly a remarkable accomplishment. It is certain to be a year to remember.

The Ventures are considered by many to be the greatest “surf band”. While it is true that The Ventures style and music helped define that musical genre as much as anyone, they are much more than that. Surf is just a subset of what The Ventures are:

The Best Selling Instrumental Rock Band in Music History