Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Thank you Don Wilson...




Thank you Don Wilson
For the joy you gave us with the unmistakable picking in the songs.
For the happy meeting with Bob Bogle and creating the eternal The Ventures.
Now, these are memories that will never be erased.
Thank you very much
and
Rest in Peace.
January 22, 2022
RV


The Ventures: Mel Taylor, Bob Bogle, Don Wilson and Jerry (Gerry) McGee

The Ventures: Howie Johnson, Don Wilson, Bob Bogle and Nokie Edwards

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Donald Lee Wilson (aka Don Wilson) rhythm guitarist and co-founder of The Ventures, passed away at age 88 (January 22, 2022). 
He passed peacefully of natural causes in the early morning with his four adult children at his side in his native Tacoma, Wahington, U.S.A.

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Below message from The Ventures official Facebook:

The Ventures
Posted January 22, 21:20

Don Wilson, guitarist for Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame group, The Ventures, passed away this morning. 
Don was an inspiration and mentor. 
He was a unique talent that inspired countless musicians like us. 
We lost a good friend, fellow musician, world class performer, and beloved bandmate.
Don Wilson has left the stage. 
We will miss him always.

The Ventures
(Ian Spalding, Leon Taylor, Bob Spalding, Lucas Griffin)

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John Fogerty pays tribute to Don Wilson of The Ventures who passed away on January 22, 2022.

Walk, Don't Run - John Fogerty tribute to Don Wilson of The Ventures
John Fogerty LIVE! at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, California (January 22, 2022)

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The Ventures Official website:
Posted January 24, 2022

Don Wilson 1933-2022  - a life in music

It is with profound sadness and a great sense of loss that I have to tell the world that, on January 22, 2022, Don Wilson passed away at the age of 88. 
He was the last surviving member of The Ventures’ original group, one of its co-founders along with his partner, Bob Bogle, who left us in 2009. 
His contribution to the instrumental rock music world is well-known and, as evidenced by the tributes already pouring in, he was loved by many all over the world – by family, fans and fellow musicians alike. 
From the early days when Don and Bob got together to play music, through their transition (with the help of Don’s mother Josie) to best-selling artists, to their popularity world-wide – and especially in Japan, a country to which they brought electric guitar music and whose citizens embraced them wholeheartedly, to their chart-topping melodic instrumental hits encompassing many genres, they have remained an enduring presence in music. 
Don would, I am sure, like to be remembered for the pleasure he brought to so many people with the music that he pioneered and brought to them, along with his cohorts – his fellow musicians who formed The Ventures. 
He has gone from this life but, if there is anything happy to be found in his passing, it is the hope that they are all once again together in the next world, playing up a storm – not heavenly harps perhaps, but celestial guitars. 
Don, you will be missed. Rest with your friends – Bob, Mel, Nokie, Gerry, your mom Josie and all who have been part of The Ventures’ circle for these 60-plus years.

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The Ventures: Mel Taylor, Don Wilson, Nokie Edwards and Bob Bogle

"Love Goddess Of Venus" - The Ventures (Don Wilson) 1964

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Some messages on Social Media:
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