Their first wide-release single, "Walk, Don't Run" (1960), 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.
The Ventures have had an enduring impact on the development of music worldwide. The band was among the first to employ and popularize fuzz and flanging guitar effects, concept albums, and twelve-string guitars in rock music. Their instrumental virtuosity, innovation, and unique sound influenced many musicians and bands, earning the group the moniker "The Band that Launched a Thousand Bands". Their recording of "Walk, Don't Run" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its lasting impact, and in 2008 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Don Wilson and Bob Bogle first met in 1958, when Bogle was looking to buy a car from a used car dealership in Seattle owned by Wilson's father. Finding a common interest in guitars, the two decided to play together, while Wilson joined Bogle performing masonry work. They bought two used guitars in a pawn shop for about $10 each. Initially calling themselves the Versatones, the duo played small clubs, beer bars, and private parties throughout the Pacific Northwest. Wilson played rhythm guitar, Bogle lead. When they went to register the band name, they found that it was already taken. Disappointed, they cast about for an appropriate name. Wilson's mother suggested the name "The Ventures", upon which they eventually agreed in 1959.
During their first years (1958–1961), the Ventures played Fender guitars (a Jazzmaster, a Stratocaster and a Precision Bass) for both their live performances and their recording sessions. These instruments are prominently visible on the covers of two early albums: The Ventures and The Colorful Ventures. From 1962 to 1963 they used two Jazzmasters with a Precision Bass, shown on the album cover of "Bobby Vee meets The Ventures". Then in early 1963, California guitar manufacturer Mosrite re-branded their uniquely styled, futuristic-looking Mark 1 electric guitar model for the Ventures by applying decals that stated "The Ventures Model" on the headstock. The band adopted these guitars (which included a bass model) and first used them on The Ventures in Space (1963), one of their most influential albums because of the unique, otherworldly guitar sounds it contained. From 1963 through 1968, a statement on their album covers announced that the Ventures used Mosrite guitars "exclusively" (the Ventures and designer Semie Moseley were partners in the distribution of these instruments). After the expiration of their contract with Moseley, the Ventures returned to playing mainly Fender guitars. Only rarely have they used Mosrite guitars since that contract ended.
In the mid-1990s, Fender issued a limited edition Ventures Signature Series of guitars consisting of a Jazzmaster, a Stratocaster, and a Fender Jazz Bass, all with specifications determined by the band.
Aria Guitars and Wilson Brothers Guitars have subsequently issued Ventures Signature Model instruments. The Wilson Brothers guitar, in particular, is closely modeled physically on the original Mosrite design.
The Ventures pioneered the use of special effects on such songs as "The 2000 Pound Bee", recorded in late 1962, in which lead guitarist Nokie Edwards employed a fuzz pedal. Edwards' use of "fuzz tone" predated the "King of Fuzz Guitar", Davie Allan of The Arrows, by at least three years. In addition, Edwards was among the first to use the twelve-string guitar in rock. The 1964 The Ventures In Space album was a primer in the use of special guitar effects, and made pioneering use of 'reverse-tracking'. The Ventures In Space, because of its ethereal space-like effects, was deemed an influence on the later 1960s San Francisco psychedelic generation, as well as being cited as a favorite by Keith Moon of the Who.
The band's cover of the Tornados' "Telstar" (released in January 1963) featured one of the first instances of flanging on a pop record. The song "Silver Bells" on The Ventures' Christmas Album, released in November 1965, has one of the first recorded uses of a talk box as a musical effect, voiced by Red Rhodes.
The Ventures have had an influence on many musicians, both professional and amateur. Their instructional album, Play Guitar with the Ventures, was the first such record to chart on the Billboard Top LPs list, peaking at No. 96, and taught thousands of budding guitarists how to play the guitar. George Harrison stated in a Guitar Player interview that he preferred the American guitar sound of the Ventures to British contemporaries. When asked to name the most influential rock guitar solos, Joe Walsh said he would have to include the entire song "Walk, Don't Run" because it changed so many guitar players' lives. John Fogerty, during his introduction of the Ventures at their Hall of Fame induction, said that it "kicked open a whole movement in rock and roll... The sound of it became 'surf music' and the audacity of it empowered guitarists everywhere." Stephen Stills told Ventures guitarist Don Wilson that he learned to play on Ventures records. Jeff Baxter and Gene Simmons were early members of the Ventures Fan Club. Carl Wilson called the Ventures a major influence on his early guitar playing, stating that the Beach Boys had learned to play all of their songs by ear.
Bob Bogle lived in Vancouver, Washington, for years and died there on June 14, 2009, of non-Hodgkin lymphoma; he was 75.
Nokie Edwards died on March 12, 2018, due to complications after hip surgery. He was 82.
Gerry McGee died on October 12, 2019, after having a heart attack and collapsing onstage four days earlier in Japan. He was 81.
Don Wilson continued to record with the band, but retired from touring at the end of 2015. He died of natural causes on January 22, 2022, at the age of 88.
Mel Taylor died on August 11, 1996, of cancer, at the age of 62. He was diagnosed two weeks before his death.
Let It Be
The Ventures Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
The lyrics of The Venture's song Let It Be are filled with spiritual imagery and messages of hope and perseverance. The first verse begins by describing a moment of trouble, where the singer calls upon Mother Mary as a source of solace and guidance. She speaks words of wisdom that encourage the singer to let go of their troubles and embrace a sense of acceptance and surrender. The repetition of the phrase "let it be" underscores the importance of releasing control and trusting in a higher power.
The second verse expands upon the theme of hope by suggesting that even in times of darkness and separation, there is still a chance for resolution and healing. The singer emphasizes the importance of allowing time and space for wounds to mend and for answers to emerge. The chorus once again emphasizes the importance of trusting in a higher power and of embracing a sense of peace and acceptance.
The final verse offers a sense of closure as the singer awakens to the sound of music and once again embraces the wisdom of Mother Mary. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that despite the trials and tribulations of life, there is always a light and a sense of hope to guide us forward.
Overall, the lyrics of Let It Be offer a universal message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. By calling upon spiritual imagery and emphasizing the importance of surrendering control and trusting in a higher power, the song offers a source of comfort and inspiration for listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
In tough times, when I feel lost and defeated, Mother Mary comes to impart her wisdom and guide me through the storm.
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
With her vast knowledge and insight, Mother Mary advises me to let things be and trust that everything happens for a reason.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Even in my darkest hour, Mother Mary is there to offer her unwavering support and strength in my time of need.
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
When people who are suffering and heartbroken come together and reach a common understanding, there is hope for a brighter future.
There will be an answer, let it be
If we have faith and patience, the solution to our problems will reveal itself in time. We must not force things but surrender to the natural flow of life.
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
Even if people are separated physically, there is still a possibility that they will find a way to be united again and find peace and happiness.
And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Although there may be times when I feel lost and alone in the dark, there is always a glimmer of hope and light that shines on me and guides me forward.
Shine until tomorrow, let it be
The light of hope and perseverance must continue to shine until tomorrow, no matter how difficult the present may seem.
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Every morning, I wake up to the sound of music and know that Mother Mary is by my side, guiding me through the journey of life.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
Let go of your worries and fears, trust in the natural order of things and have faith that everything will work out as it should.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Mother Mary whispers words of wisdom to me, reminding me to stay calm, focus on the present and have faith in the future.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind