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.
The Christmas Song
The Ventures Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!
The Christmas Song by The Ventures is a classic Christmas tune that encapsulates the essence of the festive season. The song begins with a picturesque scene of chestnuts roasting on an open fire while Jack Frost is nipping at everyone's nose. The imagery created by the lyrics immediately recreates the cold winter nights and the warmth in front of a fire with loved ones. The song then progresses to highlight the joy and excitement of Christmas with yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and people dressing up in Eskimo outfits.
The second verse focuses on the most common symbols representing Christmas - turkeys, mistletoe, and excited children. The festive season is incomplete without a turkey, mistletoe, and gifts. Children are excited to see Santa on his sleigh loaded with goodies and toys, making their expectations grow with each passing moment.
The last part of the song includes a simple message of greeting as the songwriter wishes kids from 1 to 92, "Merry Christmas to you." This simple phrase sends out a message of warmth, togetherness, and love that is intrinsic to the spirit of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The aroma of chestnuts being roasted on an open flame fills the air and creates a cozy atmosphere.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold weather causes a tingling sensation in your nose, making it feel like it's being nipped by a frosty creature.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
Songs celebrating the Christmas season are being melodiously sung by a group of singers.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People are bundled up in warm clothing like the native people of the Arctic, making them look like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Turkey and mistletoe are popular symbols of the holiday season that everyone knows about.
Help to make the season bright
These festive items bring joy and happiness to the holiday season.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Young children are filled with excitement and wonder as they experience the magic of Christmas.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The anticipation of presents and the joyous atmosphere makes it difficult for children to fall asleep on Christmas Eve.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children believe that Santa Claus will be visiting soon to deliver presents.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa has stocked his sleigh with a plethora of toys and treats for children around the world.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
All children will try to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus as he comes to deliver their Christmas gifts.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children are curious to see the magical flying reindeer that Santa uses to travel around the world.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer is sharing a heartfelt message with listeners.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is meant for children of all ages, from young to old.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message of 'Merry Christmas' has been expressed in countless variations before.
Merry Christmas to you!
The artist wishes you a happy and joyous Christmas season.
Lyrics © Ceylon Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jack Gallagher
The Ventures will always be the best instrumental group ever. Merry Christmas!
Rocco Lawson
I've been a fan of The Ventures since the late 1960's. When I lived In California in the 60's, I listen to music on an old tube-type stereo. The sound was warm and clean. I miss those days.
Larry smith
SAME HERE
JOÃO BATISTA RAPOSO VASTI
Banda Espetacular, muito legal, músicas de qualidade!!
Maria del Carmen De Carpio
Esta música me recuerda los mejores años de mi Infancia, ahora a mis 60tas,mucha nostalgia, lo mejor de música Navideña gracias x compartir
Manuel Humberto Galvez Alburez
Recuerdo de los maravillosos años 60 los escucho desde esos años hasta la fecha, recordar es volver a vivir.-
Clair Murakami
Have always loved the Ventures since the early 1960's. Same with my older brother. I love their Christmas CD .
Juliet Tan
Englelbert
Brian Valladares
desde que existe este medio cada fin de año escucho estas lindas melodias de los 60tas. me trae lindos recuerdos
Santa Lucia Cotz. Guatemala
Rick Curtis
Great album, thanks so much!!