Petition to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Attachment 4 - Letters from Members of
"Underground Fire"
The Ventures' Fan Network

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104

Attention: Ms. Susan Evans

Dear Miss Evans:

A musical group is missing in the R&R Hall of fame. A group who has:

• been recording and touring continuously for 39 years.
• sold in excess of 80 MILLION recorded ALBUMS, world wide.
• seven of their video-tape concerts released on Laserdisc.
• inspired nearly every pop guitarist under age of sixty.
• approximately 10 internet sites dedicated to them, not only in the U.S. and Canada but in the U.K. and Japan.
• recorded music in every pop music trend since the '50s.
• successful Country, Christmas and Classical music albums.
• had Gold Record sales of two versions of the same song.
• introduced Rock & Roll to Japan and play 80 to 100 concerts there yearly in a three month tour. (They work hard!)
• had three major guitar makers issue models in their name.
• had their guitar-instruction records on the Pop charts.
• fan clubs all over the world, whose members of all ages are meeting on the Internet and becoming friends.
• recent guest artist of U.S. Air Force Band, Washington DC.
• been inducted into the American Northwest Hall of Fame.
• had two office towers named after them in Manila.
• their instruments hanging in Hard Rock Caf‚'s in Dallas and San Diego.(possibly others)
• their hand prints in cement of the Rockwalk in Hollywood.
• a hard cover book of over 200 pages written about them.
• been written about in The Rock & Roll Encyclopedia and many similar published books.
• had articles, big and small in the following magazines:
  • Reader's Digest, Jan-1967
  • Hit Parader, Dec-1969 & Apr-1972
  • Teen Screen, Jan-1970
  • Billboard, Sep19-1970 (10 pages!)
  • Guitar Player, Aug-1977, Sep-1981 (Cover Story), Jan-1984, Jan-1987, Jan-1988, Sep-1996, & Jan-1994 (Lifetime Achievement Award)
  • Rolling Stone, Jun25-1981
  • Guitar World, May-1982, Jan-1984, Sep-1987, & Feb-1996
  • RPM, Mar-1985
  • DisCoveries, Apr-1990 & Apr-1995 (Cover Stories)
  • CD International, Jan-1993 (Cover Story)
  • Frontline, Winter-94, Fall-96, & Spring-96
  • Vintage Guitar, Apr-1996, Oct. 1996, Feb-1997, Mar-1997, Apr-1997, & May-1997
  • GuitarOne, Jun-1996
  • TIME, Aug26-1996
  • Modern Drummer, Aug-1996

These are only the ones I know about. There must be more. Of course, you have guessed by now. The Ventures led by Bob Bogle and Don Wilson, have never broken up, and their fans keep increasing in numbers with each tour or album. Would you please forward this letter to the curators who hopefully will do something about this serious omission.

Respectfully yours,
Del Halterman
Grande Prairie, Alabama
Email: dhalterm@telusplanet.net

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104

Attention: Ms. Susan Evans

Dear Miss Evans:

"Recognize the contributions of those who have had a significant impact over the evolution, development and perpetuation of rock and roll, by inducting them into the Hall of Fame."

As one of the many goals and functions of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I feel that there is a musical group which as of today has not been recognized for their contributions to rock and roll and enshrined as a member of your Hall of Fame. I would highly recommend that this group be included in the list of inductees for the next selection process. The name of this group is "THE VENTURES". I think that their musical accomplishments speak for themselves. How many performers, singers or instrumentalist, have been in the music industry for 40 years. Next year, 1999, will mark the 40th anniversary of the Ventures music career. The list of their albums/CD's is too long to list here.

Forty years is a long time for any artist, but I think it is even more amazing since the Ventures have always been an instrumental group. I believe that their ability to be creative and diversified is the primary reasons for their longevity. It is not unusual for a group to become stereo-typed in their style of music. Not so with the Ventures. Their music style has reflected not only rock and roll but also country, classical, Latin, disco, heavy metal, surf, movie themes, Christmas, etc. Not only have they recorded covers of existing songs, they have also written and recorded hundreds of their own compositions.

The list of professional and non-professional musicians who have been influenced by the Ventures is remarkable. As a non-professional musician, I probably would never have picked up a guitar and learn to play had I never heard "Walk Don't Run" back in 1960. I've used my guitar to serve in the music ministry at my church for about 15 years.

Would you please forward my letter to the nominating committee so that they may take the necessary steps to ensure that the Ventures become a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Thanks for your time and consideration.

Respectfully yours,
Ronald L. New
Houston, Texas
Email: Ronald.L.New@USAHQ.UnitedSpaceAlliance.com

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104

Attention: Ms. Susan Evans

Dear Miss Evans,

In reviewing the Foundation's methods of inducting artists into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I found a flaw. The first requirement is that the artist must have been around for at least 25 years. Also, an artist whose music predated rock and roll, but who inspired rock's leading artists and helped in the evolution of rock, could be inducted. The Ventures should qualify on both counts. Upon their release of Walk Don't Run in 1960, thirty-eight years ago, the Ventures continue to perform as I write. It should be noted that this song, Walk Don't Run, is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "top 500 hits of all times".

Artists, many already in the Hall of Fame, have remarked about the influence that the Ventures, Don Wilson, Nokie Edwards, Bob Bogle and Mel Taylor, had on their carriers. Some of these include George Harrison, Lindsey Buckingham, Jeff Baxter, Jeff Cook, Rick Derringer, Elliot Easton, Mick Fleetwood, Dave Edmunds, Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh, Erick Johnson, Stephen Stills, Robert Kreiger, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Lukather, Jeff Lynn, Jimmy Page, Joey and Marky Ramone, Paul Simonon and Gene Simmons. All have stated that their career in music was changed in some way by the Ventures.

The Ventures have amassed a very positive history in the music world. Not only is Walk, Don't Run one of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's top 500 hits of all time, it was also a gold record. Other golden records are Walk, Don't Run 64 (1964) and Hawaii 5-0 (1969). They have a collective worldwide sales in excess of 100 million and counting. During the period of 1960 to 1973, the Ventures sold nearly one million albums per year in the United States. In 1971, the Ventures were the first non-Japanese ever elected to be in the Japanese Conservatory of Music. In 1990, the Ventures were inducted into the Washington State Music Hall of Fame. 1996 brought induction into the Hollywood Rock Walk. Also in 1996, Fender guitar honored the Ventures with a limited edition line of signature guitars. November 1996 took the Ventures to Washington D.C. and the Smithsonian Institution where a tribute to the electric guitar was conducted. 1988 Hall of Famer, inventor and guitar player, Les Paul, was also present.

Billboard Magazine has recorded the following statistics on the Ventures:

• The Ventures are ranked #4 among all-time instrumental artists.
• The Ventures are ranked #6 among all 1960s artists on Billboard's Album Charts.
• The Ventures are ranked #26 among all-time artists on Billboard's Album Charts.
• The Ventures are ranked #379 among all-time artists on Billboard's Singles Charts.
• From 1960 to 1969, the Ventures placed fourteen (14) singles on Billboard's Singles Charts.
• From 1960 to 1973, the Ventures placed thirty-seven (37) albums on Billboard's Album Charts, including five during 1963.

The statistics on the Ventures are staggering, and they continue to build up. After thirty-eight years of playing rock and roll music, they are still at it, and going strong.

Having met the group in 1983 and again in 1984, I was amazed at how down to earth and friendly the band members were. Now, some fourteen years later, I met with the Ventures after a show in Dayton, Ohio. They were very friendly and met with all of their fans, staying long after the last show to talk about music and sign autographs. Though the lineup has changed slightly (with the death of drummer Mel Taylor), the Ventures continue to keep rock & roll on track. Many young faces are being taught guitar music by these four outstanding musicians.

Yes, Ms. Evans, a truly outstanding musical group, with four equally outstanding individuals, have been overlooked by the Hall of Fame Foundation. Please forward this letter to the curators who can do something to correct this error.

Best regards,
Jack L. Davis
Livingston, Tennessee
Email: jldavis@TWLakes.net

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104

Attention: Ms. Susan Evans

Dear Miss Evans,

For just about 35 years I have been listening to The Ventures, and I cannot understand how a band who has been together for 4 decades non-stop, has not been inducted into the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame. You know the statistics on this band, so I won't reiterate them here.

I first heard The Ventures in June of 1963. A friend of mine had just gotten the album "Surfing." I must have worn out his brand-new record playing it over and over. (It's still my favorite album by The Ventures.) A year later, I gave a copy to my best friend for his birthday. He became a loyal fan, and over the years, we exchanged Ventures albums for birthday presents.

My feeling is that any band I can listen to for well over 30 years has something special to offer. I know what is special about The Ventures: their music has always been very melodic, rhythmic and dynamic, and abounds with musicianship. The band members have proven themselves to be true ambassadors where ever they go, pleasing fans by staying around after concerts not just to sign autographs but to converse in-depth, even going as far as showing guitarists how they use their instruments. (I bet The Rolling Stones don't do that!)

Isn't it a little strange to you that "one-hit wonders" have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, supposedly because their song affected someone? And music-industry people have been inducted because they've affected someone or the industry with what they've done? And artists who have died but only had hits over 25 years ago have been inducted? And The Ventures aren't a "one hit wonder?" And The Ventures have affected countless other musicians and fans? And The Ventures are still alive - and still performing? And they HAVEN'T BEEN INDUCTED?

Please give The Ventures some serious consideration. They most definitely have earned it.

Sincerely,
David W. Twogood
Rock Cave, West Virginia
Email: dwtwogood@neumedia.net

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104

Attention: Ms. Susan Evans

Dear Miss Evans:

I am writing this to hopefully persuade the Hall of Fame to correct a wrong that has been perpetuated through the years. Correcting this wrong is very, very easy: simply induct The Ventures into the Hall, and this terrible oversight will be made right.

The Ventures have inspired more musicians (some of whom have already been inducted into the Hall) than I can count. From their first hit "Walk Don't Run" in 1960, the Ventures have influenced rock and roll more than any other group. George Harrison, Steve Miller, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eddie Van Halen are just a few of the greats that owe much of their inspiration to the Ventures.

Their driving sound, unique in all of music, has lasted where so many others have faded into obscurity. From surf music in the 60s to "classical with a beat" to heavy metal, The Ventures have never allowed their music to become stale. In fact, in the 70s they pioneered the use of the guitar effects wah-wah and fuzz.

The Ventures, Don Wilson on rhythm guitar, Bob Bogle on bass, Gerry McGee on lead guitar (who replaced Nokie Edwards in 1967), and Leon Taylor (son of Mel Taylor, who passed away in 1996) are musical icons, not only in the United States, but have sustained their popularity around the world, especially in Japan. Indeed, they are the first foreigners to win a "Grand Prix", the Japanese equivalent of a Grammy.

On a personal note, I fell in love with the guitar directly and solely because of The Ventures. I have played for more than 30 years, and I know that there are untold numbers of other men and women, boys and girls, who thank these guys from the bottom of our hearts for their talent, love of music, and their sensational careers.

To bring this into vivid perspective: I was at a guitar show in Charleston, SC this last Saturday and happened to meet another Ventures fan, who, like myself, has been inspired and moved by their music. While on the surface this may not be a big deal, what makes it incredible is that I am 46 and the other fan is not quite 14! Here was a graying, middle-aged guitar nut sharing an incredible common experience with a young kid with hair down well past his shoulders. What brought us together was love for The Ventures. This is a bond that obviously transcends years, indeed, generations. It's also obvious that The Ventures' popularity WILL be sustained.

So, please consider this plea. A major genre of music has been overlooked here, and America owes much to The Ventures. I know that a group of dedicated Ventures fans, Underground Fire, has been active in sending petitions and votes to persuade the Hall to make induction the culmination of a brilliant career. Please, please do not underestimate this group's sincerity and earnest efforts. We love The Ventures, and are grateful for your careful consideration, and for taking the time to read this letter.

Thank you, and kindest regards,
John Mooney
Summerville, South Carolina
Email: mooneyj@spawar.navy.mil

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104

Attention: Ms. Susan Evans

Dear Miss Evans,

Each year, I look forward to the list of potential candidates for the Hall of Fame to see who is considered worthy of induction. I do find myself agreeing with most of the choices. There is one name that keeps being overlooked and I find myself wondering why. That group is The Ventures.

I have admired their records for many years and, when I bought my Fender Stratocaster years ago, the first thing I attempted to play on it was "Walk Don't Run". In the last two years, I have found myself digging deeper than ever into who the Ventures are and what they represent to rock and roll. What I discovered was staggering.

The number of musicians who claim the Ventures as an influence is far more than one would expect. I have heard many names, including Dave Davies (The Kinks), Eric Clapton, Terry Kath (Chicago), Jimmy Page, and so on, cite the Ventures influence on their sound. And it's not just guitar players, either. I understand that Keith Moon, The Who's legendary drummer, considered Mel Taylor's drumming as influencing his style.

The group basically invented the Rock album. Prior to 1964, most albums were basically collections of songs that would follow in the wake of a hit single. The Ventures, however, were more creative in selecting tracks for an album, as they would include tracks that were linked together by some unifying theme. This laid the ground work for the classic albums of the late 1960's. Obviously, the Ventures albums were popular, as a staggering 37 albums by the group made the Billboard album charts over a 12-year span. How many Hall of Fame acts had that kind of enduring appeal?

The Ventures were, to my knowledge, the first Rock and Roll act to have their own line of guitars. Their connection with the Mosrite company helped that company grow until it was selling thousands of guitars.

The group's universal appeal is almost unbelievable. They were one of the first (if not THE first) rock and roll bands to become successful in Japan. The fact that they played instrumental music meant that there were no language barriers to overcome. Their success there has led to the formation of many bands that copy their style, right down to the last detail. Their popularity there has remained such that they still tour Japan on a regular basis.

In conclusion, I feel a grave injustice has been done by not including The Ventures in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I urge you to consider all that they have accomplished and their staggering influence on other musicians and elect them to the Hall of Fame.

Sincerely,
Dave Isbell
Louisville, Kentucky
Email: daveis@email.msn.com

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104

Attention: Ms. Susan Evans

Dear Miss Evans,

This letter is intended to reflect on how the Ventures, the world's number 1 instrumental group, has influenced my love of music, and inspired me to take up the guitar, in the hopes that it will contribute in some way in getting this outstanding group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

When I was 11 years old back in 1960, I had a only a moderate interest in music. I did not have any records to which I listened to on a regular basis, although I would listen to the radio for background sound. In fact, I had never bought a record on my own up to that point. I preferred rock n' roll music for the most part, but I thought most of what was on the air was pretty stale and uninspiring in general. Most of the groups then, like today, were vocal groups, and then, like now, they did not have to sing well to become popular.

However, while listening to a local rock n' roll radio station one day, I heard a very different, and extremely catchy song beginning to play, and I dropped what I was doing to just listen to that song. I had never done that before, actually just concentrate on listening to a song for its own sake. I couldn't believe how great that song sounded. It turned out that it was Walk, Don't Run, by The Ventures. I still remember where I was when I first heard it. I was over at my cousin's house playing rummy. I wasn't the only one who stopped to listen to The Ventures that day. Most of my family, including my cousin also stopped to listen to this unique sound.

I went out the following day and actually made my first record purchase, which of course was Walk, Don't Run on the Dolton label. I still have that record today, and I consider it to represent the moment when I became a lover of music, instead of just a casual listener.

The next few songs by the Ventures came out on the radio the following months, and it was evident that the Ventures were excellent musicians, who were turning out high quality music, and might for quite a while. Now, almost 40 years later, they still are.

After discovering the Ventures, I would buy every Ventures' album or single record I could find. I found that because of the Ventures, I enjoyed instrumental rock, especially the guitar, more than the vocals. I tried other instrumental groups, such as the Tornados, Shadows, Challengers, Duane Eddy, and Dick Dale, and I really enjoyed them also. But none could hold a candle to the Ventures in my opinion. The Ventures just became the very best at what they do. I consider them to be the best rock group ever, not just instrumental (where they are universally acknowledged as being number 1).

It was also because of The Ventures that I had the interest in taking up the guitar. I am now in a band which plays Ventures' songs to very responsive audiences. What impresses me however, is that fact that every guitar player I've met over the years acknowledges the Ventures as having a major influence on them. The true influence of the Ventures on rock music and musicians must truly be astounding.

With our band covering only Ventures songs, there is still a wide variety of songs we can play. This is due to the fact that the Ventures have covered almost every type of music over the past 39 years with hundreds of albums and CDs to their credit. From Mild Rock/Pop, Country, Latin, and Disco, to Hard Rock, and even Classical music, The Ventures have covered it all. Today, their new releases show them to be better than ever. All one has to do is listen to their two new Wild Again CDs to find out what I mean.

I have also been privileged enough to see the Ventures live several times, including a few times this year (1998). Their concerts have always been exciting, no matter what the size of the audience. The Ventures are a no nonsense music group. They don't rely on pyrotechnics, bad language, or the smashing of their guitars to impress an audience. The Ventures impress an audience by playing great music, and they do an outstanding job at that. It seems to me that if a musical group plays great music, people will pay to hear it. This is certainly true with the Ventures.

Every time I've seen the Ventures, they have always been courteous, and highly professional, and are a tribute to what rock n' roll music and musicians should be. They are unpretentious, and appreciative of their audience and fans. They always take as much time as needed to sign autographs and talk with their fans. This can take a while because on their East Coast Tour this spring, every concert I attended (6 in all) was to a sellout crowd. This tour also included a concert with the US Air Force Band at Constitution Hall as part of their Guest Artist Series, where they received standing ovations.

The statistics on The Ventures in terms of record sales, longevity, hit records and albums, are very impressive and well documented. Their popularity in Japan is bigger than the Beatles. But their influence on musicians throughout the world is to what the Ventures have contributed immeasurably. Personally they have been the main influence on my love for music over the years.

They are class by themselves in the world of music, and certainly deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are certainly appreciated by other countries, especially Japan, where they have been inducted into that country's Conservatory of Music. I would like to show this tremendous rock group that they are appreciated by their home country as well, by seeing them inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's hard to imagine that the Ventures have not yet been inducted, since they have influenced many of those who already have been. I humbly request that this oversight be corrected as soon as possible.

Thank you,
Byron Tietjen
Liverpool, New York
Email: byron.tietjen@lmco.com

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd floor
New York, NY 10104

Attn: Ms. Susan Evans

Dear Ms. Evans:

I join a growing body of fans and musicians, petitioning you and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominating committee to induct The Ventures into the Hall of Fame. As the world's number one instrumental group, an important influence in rock and roll for nearly 40 years, and a still-performing, still influential band, The Ventures deserve their rightful place in Cleveland!

I believe that your own words offer the best evidence of this--words taken from your press release of last December, announcing the 1998 HoF inductees. You said of those artists (which included The Eagles, The Mamas and the Papas, and Gene Vincent) that they represent "a broad spectrum of music, and include early legendary greats as well as artists who are still actively pursuing their careers." Since they first got together in 1959 in the Seattle area, The Ventures have literally been all of those things!

They have recorded standards in rock, country, pop, jazz, and even classical music--you can't find a "broad spectrum of music" more inclusive than that! The band will mark its 40th year in the business in 1999 with three of the original four founding members still involved--Bob Bogle, Don Wilson, and Nole Floyd "Nokie" Edwards. This places The Ventures in the unique position of being "legendary greats" who remain as contemporary as their latest recording ("Wild Again II"). With annual tours of the Far East and selected areas of this country, The Ventures remain artists "who are still actively pursuing their careers" like men half their ages.

Even if one was to go strictly "by the rules," The Ventures must be considered for inclusion in the HoF. Again, words taken from your January 1998 press release prove this: "Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. Criteria considered includes the influence and significance of the artist's contribution to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll." Amen! Given several hundred record albums, dozens of chart-placing singles, countless tours, and the number of times they're cited by other rock'n'roll legends, The Ventures are truly among the great influences of the rock and roll era--musicians who continue to make a difference as we turn the millenium.

I urge you and the nominating committee to place The Ventures into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as soon as you can!

Thank you,
Kirk L. Bjornsgaard
Bixby, Oklahoma
kirkb@pennwell.com

Date: Sun, 31 May 1998
From: Sirens@AOL.COM
Subject: first gig

Hey all,

This weekend me (age 15), my cousin (13), and my friend (13) played a local talent show. There wasn't a winner but we probably would have won. With me on lead guitar, my cousin on drums, and friend on rhythm we played [the Ventures'] Surf on Guitar [medley]. We ended up getting the most applause and a standing ovation! Because of the lights we couldn't see the crowd, but I knew we were a hit when the whole entire crowd screamed TEQUILA! That's all for now.

Scott K.
(amazing teenage Ventures fan)

Date: Sun, 31 May 1998
From: Samvann@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: first gig

Hello, I'm another "Amazing Teenage Ventures Freak". I played with some old guys at a hot rod show. I stepped up there, and everybody expected me to play Nirvana. I ripped it up with Wipeout (that's all they knew). They want me to come back to the next show..... I wish more people my age (15) played surf guitar.

Jonathan

Date: Sun, 31 May 98
From: lscoker@VIANET.ON.CA
Subject: Re: first gig

Great you young guitarists are having fun on stage. I remember at 15, meeting up with my old guitar teacher at a [gig] at Toronto International Airport. He saw me in the crowd and later announced they had a special guest musician...me (gulp!). He passed me his Gretsch and I think I played Rebel Rouser. Then I played the drums with solo on Wipe-Out. The drum skins had no bounce whatsoever and I really had to work to get a decent beat. What a day!

Stephen Coker

Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 15:32:31 EDT
From: ManONote@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: first gig

Hi Scott,

Congratulations on your first gig. I know you had a lot of fun. My first gig was also at a talent show. We played Walk Don't Run and Sleep Walk. Keep playing and having fun.

Bill Hanke

Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998
From: mooneyj@spawar.navy.mil
Subject: Re: first gig

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you all know that the guy that's been listening to the Ventures since the sixties that Jonathon mentions is me! Jonathon and I met at a guitar show in Charleston, and a couple of weeks later got together to watch the Wild Again 97 tour video. Then we jammed, Jonathon on lead (playing his 67 Mosrite...the man can play!) and me trying to keep up like Don Wilson (no way). It was heaven...I was transformed back to simpler times. We're going to get together again very soon, my wife just had surgery, but as soon as we can . This is proof of the Ventures ability to inspire people yet today, and why their music will continue to influence future generations. When a 47 year old guy can get together with a 15 year old and totally bond because of music, that's magic and that's why our guys [The Ventures] deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. OK enough of the soapbox. Anyway, Jonathon is a great guy, and I'm glad to know him.

Peace,
John Mooney

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