Bob Bogle, Guitarist for The Ventures, Dead at 75

From Gibson.com
Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:48 AM

Bob Bogle, Guitarist for The Ventures, Dead at 75

Bob Bogle, the pioneering lead guitarist for instrumental rock icons The Ventures, died this past weekend at his home in Vancouver, Wash., after a long struggle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to the group’s co-founder Don Wilson. He was 75.

Bogle started performing as a guitar duo with Wilson around Tacoma, Wash., in 1958, drawing inspiration from the likes of Les Paul and Chet Atkins. With The Ventures, he played on 38 albums between 1960 and 1972, covering everything from country to Christmas carols.


Bogle’s playing style was enormously influential, particularly for his band mate.

“I can't think of a better contribution for instrumental music on his style than 'Walk - Don't Run,’” Wilson told CNN. “A lot of good would-be guitar players and garage bands would go out and buy guitars just to learn that song.”

Best known for their Top-10 charting theme of the TV show Hawaii Five-O, The Ventures were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year by Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty, who claimed, “It's enough to say, the Ventures are the most popular instrumental band of all time.”

Even though Bogle had performed with the group on the road up until 2005, he was unable to attend the ceremony in New York due to his failing health.

“His doctors gave him 10 years to live, and he lived 12,” Wilson said. “The last two years were really tough. At least he lived to know the Ventures had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

Bogle is survived by his wife, Yumi. A private funeral is set for Friday.

Rest In Peace Bob. Your music will influence and inspire generations to come.