The Ventures

The Ventures are remembered as a surf rock band, but are more properly thought of as the rock and roll instrumental band that pioneered, if not invented, surf rock. In the 1960s they were stars, with numerous charting albums and singles, including "Walk Don't Run" and "Hawaii Five-0." In Japan, the Ventures are one of the most popular rock groups of all time, having sold over 40 million records. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. The classic Ventures lineup consisted of guitarists Don Wilson and Bob Bogle, with bassist Nokie Edwards and drummer Mel Taylor. Edwards left in 1984 and Taylor died in '96, but the band continued, with bassist Gerry McGee and Taylor's son Leon on drums.