Ventures ‎– Swamp Rock - 1969 Surf Rock (vinyl)

The Ventures are an American instrumental rock band formed in 1958 in Tacoma, Washington. Founded by Don Wilson and Bob Bogle, the group in its various incarnations has had an enduring impact on the development of music worldwide. With over 100 million records sold,^[1] the group is the best-selling instrumental band of all time. In 2008, the Ventures were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.^[2]

Their instrumental virtuosity, experimentation with guitar effects, and unique sound laid the groundwork for innumerable groups, earning them the moniker "The Band that Launched a Thousand Bands".^[3] While their popularity in the United States waned in the 1970s, the group remains revered in Japan, where they tour regularly to this day

The Ventures
Classic lineup of the Ventures in Japan in 1965 (left to right): Don Wilson, Mel Taylor, Nokie Edwards, Bob Bogle
Background information
Also known as	The Versatones The New Ventures
Origin	Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
Genres	Instrumental rock, surf rock
Years active	1958–present
Labels	Dolton, Liberty, United Artists,Capitol, GNP Crescendo, Blue Horizon
Website	www.theventures.com
Members	Don Wilson Nokie Edwards Gerry McGee Bob Spalding Leon Taylor
Past members	Bob Bogle Howie Johnson Mel Taylor John Durrill Joe Barile Dave Carr Biff Vincent Leisha Soukary Jonell Calendar George T. Babbitt, Jr. Paul Warren