Don Wilson, rhythm guitarist for the Ventures, is born in Tacoma, Washington.
Mel Taylor, drummer for the Ventures, is born in Brooklyn, New York.
Bob Bogle, guitarist and bass player for the Ventures, is born in Wagoner, Oklahoma.
Nole “Nokie” Edwards, guitarist and bass player for the Ventures, is born in Lahoma, Oklahoma.
Gerry McGee, guitarist for the Ventures, is born in Eunice, Louisiana.
After their self-released single “Walk – Don’t Run” enjoys regional sales and airplay, the Ventures are signed to Seattle-based Dolton Records.
“Walk – Don’t Run,” by the Ventures, peaks at #2.
“Perfidia,” the Ventures’ remake of a 1941 hit by Xavier Cugat, peaks at #15.
Howie Johnson, original drummer with the Ventures, leaves after a neck injury makes touring too difficult. He is replaced by Mel Taylor
The Ventures Play Telstar, The Lonely Bull and Others hits #8. It will be the highest-charting album of their career and the first of three gold albums.
The Ventures release Surfing, an album that taps into the surf-music craze that the group’s “big-guitar sound” helped inspire.
The Ventures in Space, a pioneering album in terms of exploring guitar sounds, peaks at #27.
The Ventures’ surf music-inspired remake of “Walk - Don’t Run” – retitled “Walk - Don’t Run ’64” – hits #8.
The Ventures On Stage, a live album cut in the U.S. and Japan, enters the charts.
Play Guitar With the Ventures enters Billboard’s album chart, becoming the first music-instruction LP to do so.
Guitarist Nokie Edwards takes a four-year hiatus from the Ventures, during which he is replaced by Gerry (a.k.a. Jerry) McGee.
“Hawaii Five-O,” by the Ventures, reaches #4.
Hawaii Five-O becomes the third Ventures album to receive gold certification (500,000 copies sold) from the RIAA.
After nearly a decade’s absence from American stages, the Ventures’ play a well-received club date in Los Angeles, heralding renewed interest in their work.
Guitarist Bob Spalding begins a longstanding connection with the Ventures, briefly replacing an ailing Nokie Edwards while also becoming a regular collaborator in the studio.
Guitarist Nokie Edwards leaves the Ventures to pursue a solo career.
Gerry McGee rejoins the Ventures as their permanent lead guitarist.
Walk – Don’t Run
Mel Taylor, the Ventures’ drummer, dies of cardiac arrest while hospitalized for cancer. His son, Leon, replaces him in the group.
The Ventures are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the 23rd annual induction dinner. John Fogerty is their presenter.
The Ventures perform at the Rock Hall’s 13th Annual American Music Masters Series concert honoring Les Paul.
Bob Bogle, guitarist of the Ventures, passes away.
