Don Wilson was a rhythm guitarist and co-founder of the pioneering surf rock instrumental band the Ventures.
- Died: Saturday, January 22, 2022. (Who else died on January 22?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 88 in Tacoma, Washington.
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Surf rock pioneer
Don Wilson and Bob Bogle met in 1958 in Tacoma, Washington and the two guitarists started a band with Wilson on rhythm guitar and Bogle on lead guitar. The duo began playing shows in the Pacific Northwest, settling on the name the Ventures in 1959. They recorded their first album “Walk, Don’t Run” in 1960 with bass player Nokie Edwards. Their surf rock version of the title song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band was a major influence on 1960s surf rock bands including the Beach Boys. Their cover version of the “Hawaii Five-O” theme song in 1969 took them back into the top ten on the charts. The Ventures are the best-selling instrumental band of all-time and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
Tributes to Don Wilson
Full Obituary: Washington Post
