THE VENTURES originated in Tacoma, WA, USA, when Don Wilson and Bob Bogle met in 1958. They formed a pair of guitarists called "The Versatones".
In 1959, he recorded his first single "The Real McCoys / Cookies & Cooks" on Don's mother's record label, Blue Horizon. And they changed the name to "THE VENTURES".
Then they decided to incorporate a bassist and a drummer into the pair. They invited Nokie Edwards and Skip Moore, and later George T. Babbitt Jr. entered as a drummer, but since he was not old enough to play in bars and nightclubs, he was replaced by Howie Johnson, thus forming the current configuration of the group and successes.
In 1960, he launched the "Walk Don't Run" which reached number 2 on the "Billboard Top 100" charts and group acclaim.
Then there was the change of position of the musicians, Bob Bogle taking over as bassist and Nokie Edwards as lead guitarist. Thus assuming a new dynamic in the group and being acclaimed as "King Of Guitar".
With the success of "Walk Don't Run", other songs followed, "Driving Guitars", "Journey To The Stars", "Bumble Bee Twist" and many others.
At this time, Howie Johnson suffered a serious car accident and was unable to continue in the group and was replaced by Mel Taylor.
In 1968, "King Of Guitar" Nokie Edwards left the group to run his private business and his fans were heartbroken. Studio musician Gerry McGee took his place. Gerry had a totally different style than Nokie. But with the launch and success in the USA of "Hawaii Five-O", in 1969, it again captivated its audience.
Even though he had other changes in the group, he kept his faithful audience.
On April 12, 1996, The Ventures immortalized their hands on Hollywood's "Rock Walk Of Fame".
On August 11, 1996, the leader and dynamic drummer of the band Mel Taylor died of cancer and Bruce Geire took over the drums. And the following year, his son Leon Taylor took over as drummer for The Ventures.
In 2005, Bob Bogle stepped away from touring and Bob Spalding took over as bassist.
On March 10, 2008, The Ventures entered the "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame" with the song "Walk Don't Run" and "Hawaii Five-O". Year in which they celebrated the 50th anniversary of the group.
