Don Wilson
Seattle, WA. — Don Wilson (February 10, 1933 - January 22, 2022) was the cofounder and rhythm guitarist of The Ventures (est. 1958), one of the most influential guitar groups of all time and known as “the band that launched a thousand bands.”
The Ventures first wide-release single, "Walk, Don't Run", brought international fame to the group, and is often cited as one of the top songs ever recorded for guitar. In the 1960s and early 1970s, 38 of the band's albums charted in the US, ranking them as the 6th best album chart performer during the 1960s, and the band had 14 singles in the Billboard Hot 100. With over 100 million records sold, the Ventures are the best-selling instrumental band of all time. Other hits include “Hawaii 5-0”, “Wipeout”, and “Perfidia”. The Ventures’ recording of "Walk, Don't Run" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its lasting, and in 2008 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Wilson was the one constant member of The Ventures throughout, and never missed a tour until his retirement in 2015. He continued to record with the current lineup of The Ventures, and he, along with his family, produced a documentary film, “The Ventures: Stars on Guitars” (2020).
He passed peacefully of natural causes with his four children — Jill, Tim, Cyd, and Staci — at his side in Tacoma, WA., at 5 AM on Saturday, January 22, 2022. “Our dad was an amazing rhythm guitar player who touched people all over world with his band, The Ventures,” said Tim Wilson. “He will have his place in history forever and was much loved and appreciated. He will be missed.”
Sadly all original members of The Ventures have left us now. Their music has inspired countless musicians, many of whom are today's celebrity guitarists. The Ventures and their music will forever live on in our hearts and memories.
Love to all,
Judy Edwards
Posted by Judy Edwards widow of Nokie on Nokie Edwards Official International Fan Club website:
http://www.nokieedwards.com/index.htm
