May 9, 1935 – Mar 12, 2018 (Age 82)
Nokie Edwards, lead guitarist for the influential instrumental rock band The Ventures, has died at the age of 82, according to multiple news sources. For full coverage and obituary from Legacy.com, click here.
Our Dad used to be the bass player, along with Ty Willard, Mel LePage and Nokie in "The Marksmen". I remember band practice at our house when I was 12 or 13 yrs old and I am 68 now. What awesome times those were and though I didn´t realize it as a kid, I marvel now at the amazing talent in our living room with those 4 talented men
Corinne Hanson
June 04, 2025 | Family
I had Nokie sign a guitar I bought at a charity auction, nothing he ever played but nice to have. It made up to over 30 signatures something I may have to hand down to my kids, just hope they appreciate it.
Ray Huckaba
November 29, 2023 | Other
Remembered By
Ceko Goke
May 10, 2019 | Afyon, MICRONESIA | Friend
The Ventures were the main reason I took up guitar. The first song I learned was Walk Don't Run.The music they made was so clean and natural and unique. When Nokie switched to lead guitar, they became so varied in style. Nokie was a gifted musician and added so much class to The Ventures music.I set my style of playing to imitate The Ventures as I am sure so many other musicians did.I did get to meet Nokie ,Bob Bogle and Mel Taylor in Oakland, MD. in 1993. WHAT A NIGHT. I was in my glory...
Harold Winters
February 04, 2019 | Cumberland, MD
Before the big time, at my aunt Tootsie and uncle Buck Jacksons house on the south hill of Puyallup in the late 1950s, my sister and I were in the living room when a group of musicians came in and played. It was incredible, in that small room we heard what was to be the most influential instrumental group of our time.
Curtis Jackson
December 17, 2018 | Everett, WA | Family
Nokie was one of my first guitar Heros. I finally met him at the Chet Atkins Association festival and enjoyed his Music and solo CDs and also got Nokie to sign some CDs and I talked to him several times. I still listen to his Ventures music that as I did constantly as a kid. I am saddened to hear of his passing and I have to believe he is playing again in the all star band in Heaven. R.I.P. Nokie.
David Deneke
August 14, 2018 | Dale, IN | Acquaintance
He was the BEST!!
August 02, 2018
You're one the best Pickers around and now you'll be entertaining in heaven with the angels. Our condolences to your family and friends. May God comfort and give strength to all. Thank God for our memories of all the times we played together.
R.I.P. Nokie
Shotgun Red and family.
Terry Ray
Debbie
Mike
Debbie Carson
June 04, 2018 | Tacoma, WA
Adele Armstrong
April 14, 2018 | Eatonville, WA