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Ventures Guitarist and Co-Founder Bob Bogle Dies at 75

Bob Bogle, the lead guitarist and co-founder of instrumental rock band the Ventures, died Sunday at age 75. Bogle suffered from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma but survived long enough to see the group get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.

The Tacoma-based band started in the late '50s when Bogle met Don Wilson and the two became co-workers in the construction business. After realizing they both dabbled in guitar, the pair decided to form a group in their spare time in 1958. Two years later, the band recorded an upbeat version of 'Walk Don't Run' -- based on Chet Atkins' 1957 take on the Johnny Smith jazz instrumental from two years earlier -- which hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart only months later.

The band's distinctive style, particularly Bogle's guitar leads, is credited as the inspiration for the unique "surf rock" sound. Speaking of 'Walk Don't Run' at last year's Rock Hall induction ceremony, Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty said, "That song started a whole new movement in rock 'n' roll. The sound of it became 'surf music' and the audacity of it empowered guitarists everywhere." The group later went on to have hits with 'Perfidia' and 'Hawaii Five-O.' Due to his failing health, Bogle stopped performing with the group in recent years and was unable to attend the Rock Hall induction ceremony in March 2008.

"Boy, I tell you, he's the brother I never had," Wilson told the Seattle Times. "And he is much more than any brother could be. He and I were partners for, like, 52 years. And to tell you the honest truth, we had never, ever had an argument in all that time -- never." Bogle is survived by his wife, Yumi, and funeral arrangements are still pending, though Wilson believes they will happen Thursday or Friday.

Dearly Departed Musicians

    Bob Bogle, June 2009: The lead guitarist and co-founder of instrumental rock band the Ventures, died at age 75 in June 2009. Bogle suffered from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma but survived long enough to see the group get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.

    Ebet Roberts, Getty Images

    Barry Beckett, June 10, 2009: Producer and Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section keyboardist Barry Beckett died at his home in Hendersonville, Tenn. after a series of illnesses. He was 66.

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    Hugh Hopper, June 7, 2009: The bassist for prog-rock pioneers Soft Machine passed away in Kent, England after a battle with leukemia. He was 64.

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    Kenny Rankin, June 7, 2009: Singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin passed away at Los Angeles, Calif.'s Cedars Sinai hospital from complications of lung cancer. He was 69.

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    Jeff Hanson, June 5, 2009: Singer-songwriter and Kill Rock Stars recording artist Jeff Hanson, 31, was found dead in his apartment.

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    Koko Taylor, June 3, 2009: National treasure and blues legend Koko Taylor passed away of complications due to recent surgery. She was 80 years old.

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    Jay Bennett, May 24, 2009: The multi-instrumentalist and former member of Wilco passed away in his sleep of unknown causes. He was 45 years old.

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    Dolla, May 21, 2009: The Atlanta-based rapper, whose real name is Roderick Anthony Burton II, was gunned down outside a Los Angeles, Calif. mall. Burton's publicist told reporters he was waiting at a valet stand after a shopping trip when a gunman shot him. The The 'Make a Toast' star was 21.

    Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

    Stephen Bruton, May 9, 2009: The guitarist and songwriter, who worked with the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson, died from complications of throat cancer. He was 60.

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    Ean Evans, May 6, 2009: The Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist died in May 2009 after what the band called "a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer."

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Sunil

First time I heard The Ventures music was back in '69-'70 growing up in India when my brother bought an LP to be played at an event and became fan instantly. The music resonated through the place and it was such a refreshing piece of music that I kept on playing long after. Bob, thank you for such wonderful tunes.

August 01 2009 at 5:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
olehippi

Like many thousands of others, Bob Bogle and The Ventures are the reason I learned to play guitar. I still have all the "Play Guitar With The Ventures" albums along with 40 or so other Ventures' LP's and CD's. Although they were among my musical idols, I only saw them live once...sometime in the early '80's at a now defunct subterranean club in Baltimore called the "Marble Bar."
R.I.P Mr. Bogle but I'm still listening.

June 21 2009 at 3:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
toughhombre

I don't know who your music historian is but you need someone who knows real music and jazz history. Your obituary on the great Bud Shank as being most famous for his recording with the Mamma and the Pappas was laughable. This virtuoso of the alto sax was famous and legendary for years with his membership in the great Stan Kenton big band, his own jazz ensembles and his movie studio work. I doubt if Bud would have even wanted his stint with the Mammas and the Pappas mentioned in his obit.

June 21 2009 at 1:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bigjohnson4422

When I was in high school, we'd take girls out in the country to "park"....when "Walk Don't Run" would come on the radio we made our move....we'd turn it up to ear-splitting volume and try to cuff the girls to the steering wheel....

June 21 2009 at 1:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CKinDelaware

I got sick with bronchitis in 1970; my parents had a Ventures album lying around so I took it to my room and would listen to it constantly. It made focus on the music and not being sick; I had a nice recovery, and I do download some of the Ventures songs on Itunes.

June 21 2009 at 12:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ppvolpone

Amen people you comments have been very repectfull today..... hang five dudes

June 21 2009 at 12:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tony R.

Started playing guitar seriously late '59 or so. To us guys at that time The Ventures were the epitome of a rock & roll band. Spent many hours learning their songs. It was difficult stuff for a neophyte; but I stuck with it. He was an inspiration, that led to my very long career in music. Thanks Bob, and rest with God.

June 21 2009 at 12:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JIM

you all should try to take a listen to an old album titled "Swamp Rock"... I have most all of their music and this one is different and really good...

June 21 2009 at 11:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ron

I was raised with the music of THE Ventures. After my dad passed my mother split the albums he had. I grabbed what I could of The Venture albums, 16 total encluding 4 Learn To Play With The Ventures. I had already learned to play some of the music from my dad as he loved to play guitar. I miss hearing and playing along with Venture music with my dad. Maybe my dad will meet up with Mr Bogle and play a little guitar together. Knowing my dad, He'll be wanting to play ALOT.

June 21 2009 at 11:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nick

GOOD PEOPLE AND GOOD MUSIC NEVER DIE.........

June 21 2009 at 11:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply