Petition to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Cover Letter to the Formal Petition
Submitted on June 15, 2000
The Ventures Hall of Fame Induction Committee
c/o P.O. Box 56
St. Thomas, VI 00804-0056
U.S.A.
June 15, 2000
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
Attention: Ms. Susan Evans
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104
Dear Ms. Evans and Foundation Members:
Unfortunately, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies for
the year 2000 are now also history and in the 40th anniversary year of
their first Billboard hit -- "Walk Don't Run" -- The
Ventures have once again been ignored by the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame. This is the fifth time that I am submitting a petition package
on behalf of fans of The Ventures from around the world
and, quite frankly, I'm at a lost for words regarding what else can be
said about this band. They have met every conceivable criteria for
induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and still they continue
to be overlooked by the Foundation.
The year 2000 marks the beginning of the fifth decade in which they have
continued, without interruption, to record new albums, to perform live
concert tours, and to inspire new generations of rock guitarists and
drummers. They were, during the 1960s, and continue to be, the single
most influential instrumental band in the history of rock and roll
music, and that achievement has never been equaled or surpassed. Joel
Whitburn's "Billboard Top Hit Albums" lists The Ventures as
ranking No. 6 among all 1960s album recording artists -- after the likes
of The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Ray Coniff, and Ray
Charles. Mr. Whitburn also ranks The Ventures as No. 26
among all-time album recording artists. Further, Mr. Whitburn ranks
The Ventures as No. 4 among all-time instrumental singles
recording artists, after Duane Eddy, Bill Black's Combo, and Booker T
& the MGs. Many top-name recording artists (as listed in our official
petition) have cited The Ventures as important influences
when they were starting out their musical careers, and The
Ventures' "Walk Don't Run" is considered by many in the music
industry to have been perhaps the first true example of "Surf Rock" --
at a time when that genre of rock and roll music hadn't even been
formally established and recognized. The Ventures are
also acknowledged by countless musical authorities and members of the
1960s generation as "the band that launched a thousand bands" in
recognition of the fact that many thousands, if not tens or hundreds of
thousands, of youngsters who first heard "Walk Don't Run" were inspired
to learn to play the electric guitar and to start their own "garage
bands." Why then, does the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame continue to
ignore The Ventures year after year?
I have no more arguments, no more words, no more facts and figures to
present for consideration. Therefore, I'm just going to let a small
number of the fans who have written in as part of this petition campaign
tell you, in their own words, why The Ventures have been
so important in their lives and why they believe that The
Ventures should be inducted.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Victor O. Roduta, Canada: Together with their millions of fans
in the Philippines, I grew up with their music and still love to listen
to. Now a resident of Canada, I'm glad to have this opportunity to
endorse the Ventures into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame (likewise on
behalf of my fellow band members in the 60's and the many instrumental
groups back then, notably RJ and the Riots, who happen to be the known
as The Ventures of the Philippines.
John Daughtry, Arizona: My interest and subsequent learning to
play the guitar was the result of buying and listening to every album
I could afford to buy each time The Ventures released a new album. My
love of all guitar and instrumental music was the result of listening
to the ubiquitous, beautiful sounds of The Ventures. I still own a
Fender Stratocaster because of The Ventures. My grandchildren are
learning to play the guitar because of their love of The Ventures'
music.
Ben Leitch, Illinois: I am a 23 year old musician and a big fan
of the Ventures. For about ten years they have been a source of guitar
inspiration for me and many others. Even though the Ventures gained fame
through covering other artists, I believe that their renditions of many
great songs are in a class of their own.
Philip Payne, Oklahoma: I've been a rock guitarist for 27 years,
and the Ventures had more to do with getting me interested than anyone
else. I've not played a gig yet that did not include Ventures tunes, and
those tunes were recognized and loved by a vast audience.
Stan Icenogle, Wyoming: I am a drummer and the late Mel Taylor
was a big influence on my style. Whenever anybody I run into says how
much they like "Wipe Out" by "The Surfaris", all I have to is play "The
Ventures" version, particularly on the 'live' album and all of the
sudden, "The Surfaris" recording isn't so hot. What a loss upon Mel's
passing.
Peter l. Nicotera, Pennsylvania: I have been a full time
professional guitarist for 30 years. I can vividly recall the evening
in 1962 when I first heard THE VENTURES. Playing guitar became my
life's work.
Clyde Stanley Smith, Louisiana: The Ventures are LONG OVERDUE
their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I learned the
guitar by listening to these guys back in the 60's. LONG LIVE THE
VENTURES!!
Jeremy Winters, Georgia: I was introduced to their music about
a year ago and I Love listening to them play their guitars. Because of
their playing, it has made me strive to be better at my guitar playing.
I have learned to play "Walk Don't Run", "Walk Don't Run '64", and I am
personally working on learning "Underground Fire". Their music, will
live forever.
Jerry Dziowgo, Nebraska: I began playing guitar in 1967 in the
7th grade. My guitar teacher would teach me Ventures music to keep my
interest in playing. I had every Venture album that was available. They
inspired my style of playing and their arrangements were played in the
band that I played in High school. I don't know, but if The Ventures
never were, I don't know if I would be the guitar player I am today.
Von Albert Ehman, West Virginia: At the youthfull age of 16
during the 60's "The Ventures" were my first "Love and Inspiration" on
the electric guitar. Their first hit record "Walk Don't Run 64", was the
first song and also the first guitar solo that I learned. Because of
"The Ventures" I learned to play organized music, that is music with a
group of individuals in a band format. I still listen to "The Ventures"
to this day and I am still inspired by their work. As a professional
musician and artist I consider the Ventures 1965 "On Stage" live album
to be one of the "Top 10" great "Live" guitar performances of all time.
I personally know of no one, young or old, that hasn't in some way been
touched by their music. They are appropriately "the band who launched
a thousand bands.
Dan Stuart, Minnesota: It is my personal opinion, as a musician,
that the Ventures created a wholly unique approach to insturmental rock
and roll, much in the same way the Beatles changed vocally-based rock
music.
Keith Hannaleck, Massachusetts: They have influenced a wide range
of musicians worlwide and deserve every consideration to be included in
the legacy of music at the Hall. Without The Ventures music would not
be what it is today. They changed history and inspired many talented
groups to make wonderful music as well.
Lore W. Wiseman, California: I was in Jr High School in 1960. Top
songs were Handy Man (Jimmy Jones), Runaway (Del Shannon), AND Walk
Don't Run (Ventures). I learned guitar playing to their records. I don't
know of any other instrumental songs other than Honky Tonk (Bill
Doggett) and Green Onions (Booker T. & The MGs) that not only got
millions of kids playing guitar, but through their recordings, of
original and cover tunes, helped teach us all the basics about guitar,
rock and roll, and the plain fun of listening.
Craig Wiper, California: When I was 10 years old in Seattle in
1963, I fell in love with the guitar I was hearing on the radio,
specifically The Venture's music. My parents bought a guitar for me and
gave me lessons. After a few lessons, I realized that I wanted to play
differently than what I was being taught. I started buying Venture's
records (which I still have to this day) and learned to play the guitar
by emulating them. As an early teen, I had a reputation in my small town
for being a pretty good guitar player. I learned all of my basic skills
through The Ventures. And many of my early band mates also had Venture's
influenced styles. I still am a very active guitarist today. I'm working
on my 2nd CD with my original band, and attribute the impetous and
energy I have with the guitar to the creative genious of The Ventures.
If it weren't for them, I may not have ever picked up the instrument.
For me, they are the ultimate 'roots' guitar band. Without them, I might
not have had a 'rock and roll' life experience (for which I am very,
very grateful)!!
Jeremy D. Wielopolski, Michigan: I am but a mere 21 year old from
Michigan who plays guitar, trying to create a band. I was raised by my
Mother on "Oldies," and my Father on "Classic Rock." One of the greatest
influences and "pulls," if you will, to playing the guitar was The
Ventures. "Walk, Don't Run" has deeply rooted itself into my guitar
mind, always popping up in some form while I'm playing around with my
axe. While at work or walking around my hometown, I find myself humming
songs by The Ventures more than any other group. I dress like Kurt
Cobain, talk like Limp Bizkit, but think & live like The Ventures songs
feel, and "feeling" is the biggest part of music.
Suzanne R. Bierly, Pennsylvania: Their ever and ongoing
contribution to the entire rock and roll movement in style and technique
alone should be more than enough reason to be there. Older musicians
like myself cherish the Ventures gifts to the music world, and I
represent that large group of baby-boomers that make or break the trends
in the industry.
Kenneth Paul Cubala, Illinois: I am a college-educated aspiring
musician/ composer/songwriter. I did not have the fortune of being
around when "The Ventures" first began their vast influential
contribution to Rock and Roll music. However, when I was younger, my
father, in his great interest and taste in music, introduced me to the
beauty and timeless sound of The Ventures. I distinctly remember him
putting on songs from his collection of "Venture" albums one evening and
saying "This is Rock and Roll. If you can learn how to play like this
then, you'll be great." Through listening to his albums, he also
pointed out to me the sounds of the instruments in there various
parts(Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Drums). That evening
meant a lot to me, first, in that it was quality father/son time and
second, it fueled my already existing drive and childhood dream to be
a great musician. To this day, "The Ventures" are still one of the most
influential bands for me in my songwriting, sound, and presentation.
Their songs, to me, represent fun, heartfelt, and enduring musicianship.
Tony Marrello, New York: I grew up with the Ventures, learned how
to play music because of them. When I see a Fender, the VENTURES come
to my mind, body and soul.
Michael L. Waters, North Carolina: In addition to the well-known
entertainers who trace musical influence back to The Ventures, I think
nearly every guy trying to learn lead guitar riffs in the mid-60's
probably wore out some Ventures albums in the process. I was one of
those guys, starting at the age of ten in 1963, and playing in a few
"garage bands" until graduating high school and heading for an
engineering degree. Today, I play just for my personal pleasure, but The
Ventures instrumental work remains a major influence on my playing
style.
James Hackett, California: As a guitarist who played
professionally primarily during my college years (1961-1966), I can say,
without equivocation, that the Ventures were the biggest influence on
the guitar skills I developed during that period. As someone who had
just started to learn to play the guitar in high school, my real
"education" came about through hours and hours of listening to Venture
records, playing along on my guitar until I could come close to
duplicating the various lead, rhythm, and even bass, note and chord
patterns. I would never have learned to play the guitar so well, so
quickly, without studying at the "Ventures University". And I'm certain
that thousands of other guitarists around the country, and probably the
world, have similar stories to tell.
Mark Rothman, Florida: I started playing in 3rd grade and still
work through their stuff today. For longevity and volume of work, (and
it isn't just "more") they deserve this. Maybe people don't take them
seriously, because they see them in a Muzak kind of vein and want to
ignore this like Disco. But, they are a distint icon of their time.
Robert F. Marnell, North Carolina: The Ventures heavily
influenced my interest and abilities, and I can honestly say that their
music helped me learn how to play the guitar. I have played much of
their music in many of the bands that I've been in over the years, and
I have truly seen the results of appreciation for that music on the
faces of those who listen. I think most everyone will admit that they
have heard and liked Ventures' music at some point since there has been
so much of it that has been successfully propagated over the timeline
of rock and roll musical history.
Lorne Willard, Canada: I learned to play guitar from their
records and went on to play their material in various rock bands. Their
talents go beyond performing and technical expertise. They have written
many fine tunes as well.
Von C. Pfeiffer, Maryland: The Ventures defined a major change
in the direction of rock music by creating a new and exciting style for
guitar and percussion. Not since Chuck Berry had anyone implemented a
greater influence on guitar based music. The years pass and rock & roll
has seen many changes and refinements, but I still hear solos being
played which are based on patterns the Ventures made popular over 30
years ago.
Paul Eitelbach, Washington: Myself and many people I know have
respected the band for there many years of great music. Their "Play
Guitar with the Ventures" series was a unique way of helping teach
students the art of rock and roll guitar playing. The Ventures are
American rock!
Michael Kitchen, Michigan: I have been quite strongly influenced
personally toward a deeper appreciation of music because of the
Ventures. From an early age I have learned to appreciate instrumental
music and the wide musical horizons it has shown me. The Ventures'
effect on the lives of many has been most positive, and, outside of
Christian music, has been one of the most beneficial of music forms to
grace young people's lives.
Thomas J. Rowlands, Washington: I was a member of several rock
bands in the 60s in the state of Wisconsin and the Ventures had a big
influence on our groups. I played drums, guitar, and bass and acquired
many of my skills from listening and copying the Ventures' style.
Donald MacMurray, New York: I am 53 years old and started playing
guitar back in the early 1960's because of The Ventures. The fact that
they are not in the Hall of Fame is a travesty. So their not mainstream
anymore. Neither are the Eagles or Santana (although he is making a
comeback as I write this), but they are both in the HoF. The Ventures'
body of work is enormous compared to most of the inductees. Just
because a band is instrumental doesn't mean they weren't instrumental.
(Pardon the pun.)
Sheila Rawlins, Georgia: I was not in my teens when their songs
were so popular, but my older brother, Samuel, played in a local band
called the "Mal-T's". My brother played bass and his favorite song was
"Walk, Don't Run". My favorites were "Pipeline" and "Telstar". In the
song, "Telstar", I wish you could have seen the 4'10" girl that played
the drums for my brother's band. She could "tear" those drums "up"!
Michael Boulden, New Jersey: The Ventures were the one of the
reasons that I have been playing the electric guitar since 1964. When
I saw the Mosrite guitars and the sounds of their albums I was hooked.
Many years of playing music and enjoying myself (I don't have any other
hobbies) is completely and directly related to the Ventures.
Douglas G. Martin, New York: Through their "Play Guitar with the
Ventures" series of albums in the 1960's I learned to play the guitar
and learned to love rnr - also, as the owner of a large nightclub in the
Syracuse, NY area I brought the band in twice and they wowed the crowds
both times - they introduced rnr to more people than you could imagine
- they have to be one of the most influential bands of all times.
Brian Olson, Wisconsin: I am a musician in Milwaukee. I have had
my own bands and now I perform solo. The Ventures were a major influence
when I started and still are today. I play many of their instrumentals
and always get many requests to play their songs.
Bill Mosler, New York: This group gave me my first introduction
into rock & role guitar. I still play today at a semi-professional
level, and owe much to this group for this wonderful lifelong gift.
Ronnie D. Rowe, Texas: I have been in the music business for most
of my 49 year life and have played guitar in countless bands. The
influence that The Ventures had on my musical career, as well as
thousands of others, is something that so many of us "old timers" can
attest to. It was a very common occurrence that, when several guitar
players from different disciplines got together, many of us did not know
the other guys music or songs but virtually all of us could "jam" to The
Venture tunes. My point: The Ventures and their music was truly the
"glue" and common "language" that tied so many guitarist, both past and
present, together. Few bands can lay claim to this level of influence
to such a large and diverse field of musicians.
Oscar G. Boni, New York: They single handedly brought the
electric guitar and bass to the forefront of music thus influencing
directly and indirectly the sound of rock since the 60's. Also the
album "In Space" released in 1964 was years ahead of the Beatles, Who,
Stones, Yardbirds etc. It was the precursor to psychedelic music.
William Veniero, New Jersey: I first heard of the Ventures in
1964 when I was in my own band "Joe and Hurricanes" I bought my first
Venture album, "Telstar". It blew us away and that's all we did was TRY
to copy the Ventures {that's a laugh} I'm 50 years old now and I still
play Walk Don't Run, Pipeline, etc.
Tim Gilbert, New York: The Ventures were the reason I picked up
a guitar for the first time. They inspired and challenged me and I will
be forever grateful and forever a fan.
John Calder, Minnesota: My first band played The Ventures tunes
- I wouldn't be in the music business today if not for them. I'm a
recording engineer (clients include Neil Diamond, The Band, Joe Cocker,
and many others) and I co-own a new record label (Loud Neighbors
Records). The Ventures heavily influenced music history - isn't that
what the Hall of Fame celebrates?
Daryl G. Bandeka, Utah: I am one among thousands who learned to
play the guitar listening and listening to The Ventures. The Ventures
are an essential part of Rock and Roll history and need to be recognized
for the great contribution to musical history!
Larry Wayne Consley, Kentucky: As a young teenager learning to
play the guitar, I was influenced more by the Ventures than any other
group. I remember spending hours at a time listening and learning from
their many records.
Udai Saklani, India: Their influence even in Asian countries has
been amazing. I remeber them since I was 4 or 5.
Donald MacMurray, New York: This is a no-brainer. The Ventures
were my first "favorite band". I played in a group called The Tremolos
out of Bossier City, La., in the mid 1960's. We played a lot of their
songs in every set because we loved their music. No one could play
guitar as well as Nokie and no one could pound those skins like Mel.
We used to do Caravan note for note the way they did. I get goosebumps
just thinking about it.
Walter Anthony Swierczynski, Pennsylvania: Elvis got me
interested in guitar. The Ventures taught me guitar.
Joe Solomon, Minnesota: The Ventures are why I began learning
guitar all those years ago.
Steven McRae, South Carolina: I learned to play drums listening
to Mel Taylor. I spent 1000's of hours with a headset on listening to
the Ventures! Hard to believe, but I'm still playing and using
"Venture's Licks". What a shame they weren't among the first to be
inducted!
Tom Baker, Arizona: I would have never have picked up a guitar
if it had not been for the Ventures and Nokie Edwards.
Penny Henriksen, Michigan: I was raised on the Ventures- my dad
listened to them since before I was born. They are the best, most all
American instrumental band we have here in the states and they have
endured and contributed to at least 3 generations (which I have been in)
of musicians in rock and roll. They not only document the history of
the 60's, but they have also strongly contributed to TV history, and
Rock n Roll History.
Vincent M. Smith, New York: Having had my first band at 14 years
old, playing at resorts in the Catskill Mountains of New York State in
the early 60s, "Rock & Roll" was an instrumental thing. Singing was
restricted to Pop artists like Sinatra. The typical rock & roll band
worshiped THE VENTURES, since The Ventures' instrumental interpretation
of the current hits provided guidance and insight. Rock and Roll was
never, nor is it now limited to lyrics. ROCK & ROLL is a feeling that
can only be culminated by the thunderous coming together of guitars,
bass and drums. Just listen to their instrumental "lyrics".
Dave Hickman, Canada: As the frontman in a 50's-70's classic rock
band, Chevy and the Hubcaps, I am encouraged by this movement to have
The Ventures inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have
been pioneers in rock music in their own right and Walk Don't Run is an
anthem.
Sonny Worzalla, Wisconsin: Without the VENTURES alot of guitar
players and drummers would never have picked up an instrument and never
know what music does for the soul. If the newer generation had these
guys for roll models they would learn to get high on music not drugs.
I belive that the USA should give a medal to them for keeping us off the
streets by making music when we were young instead of causing the
problems that you see on the 6 o'clock news!
James Wagner, Arizona: I started playing guitar shortly after
hearing their first tune Walk Don't Run and have been playing ever
since. My son plays guitar and he likes the Ventures as well.
Ron Werkheiser, Pennsylvania: I have been playing since 1957 and
when hearing Walk,Don't Run for the first time, I said "That's It!!" So
like all the rest, I bought every album and played them over and over,
lick for lick, chord for chord. Man it was great!
Hal Kalin, Pennsylvania: Rock & Roll is many different things to
many people. It seems to me however that the Ventures embraced or
exemplified Rock & Roll in it's purest form when it was only in it's
infancy and continue to do so yet today. They were a big influence on
my decision to play drums in the early sixties since they were
consistently playing what I consider "Rock & Roll" drums at a time when
most recordings thought drums were a snare drum and a high hat cymbal!
What is more Rock & Roll than electric guiltars and a full drum set
played loud?
Charles B. Van Hook, Idaho: As a long time guitar player (1961)
to present, I am proud to say that the Ventures taught me how to play.
Sitting in front of my "record player", I played their records over and
over trying to get the "Ventures sound". I could only dream of someday
playing like they did.
Nicholas C Arme, Texas: The Ventures are probably the most
significant bank in history for future bands who, in the 60s and 70s
learned to play their music and later became better musicians became of
their music. I know that our group did, and we became pretty good at
playing music because of The Ventures.
Steven J. Griebel, California: My personal inspiration to play
the guitar was a direct result of the Ventures' "Walk Don't Run" from
1960. After getting my first guitar for Christmas I soon learned to
play and eventually formed a band in the early 1960's. Much of the
material that we played was music made popular or taken from Venture
albums. To say that they were an important contributor to the roots of
rock and roll is an understatement!
Mike Lambrecht, California: Having grown up in the 50's and 60's
in Southern California I had many musical groups presented me in the
local media (mainly AM radio stations). The VENTURES were and still are
one of my favorite Bands. One of the first songs I learned to play on
Guitar was WALK DON'T RUN. I still listen to and play to the VENTURES
CD's and Tapes.
Rick Prouse, Kansas: My argument for including the Ventures in
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the number of musicians famous and
unknown that took up the guitar as a result of their music. For all the
instrumental bands that were recording in the sixties, they epitomize
that genre of music more than any other. Their music endures as a
staple of Kansas City's oldies station and most every oldies station I
have ever been exposed to as I travel. Lastly, their use of the guitar
tailpiece as a signature to their playing was revolutionary.
John Holifield, state not given: I play guitar. A couple of years
ago, I was hoping there was a band out there that played mostly
instrumentals. You know - let the instruments do the talking. When I
found out about the Ventures, it changed me forever. I can't get enough
of them. I think they are probaly one of the most underrated bands ever.
If you ask anyone who plays guitar, one of their biggest influences will
surely be the Ventures.
Barbara L. Haught, state not given: I think that the Ventures was
one of the best bands that I ever heard play. The first time that I ever
heard of this group was back in the 60's when my brother had gotton
songs that they had recorded while he was in the Navy. I played their
songs for hours on end. Today I still love to lisen to their songs, it
makes me feel young, and takes me back in time when I was at the age of
18 years.
Joseph Brunelle, New York: Through my collegiate years in the
1960's, the Ventures were a tremendous source of relaxation while
earning my degrees, as well as a personal link between myself and my
roommates and friends. It is a link that still exists today. When we
meet we always will mention the Ventures in our discussion of our
college years. I believe it is a rare gift that has been bestowed upon
us by the Ventures. The gift is that a small link between people still
exists after 40 years, and the link is through the music of the
Ventures. I know that in my life the Ventures were more than just a
band, they still contribute enjoyment to me today.
Allen Gibson, South Carolina: Like many who were teens in the early
sixties, in a pre-Beatle musical world, I heard my first Venture's
album. The sound was fresh and clean. For anyone who has a passion for
guitar, the Venture's music was inspirational. I learned to play guitar
while listening to their music.
Peter Banach, state not given: I'm a guitar player for over 37
years. The Ventures music is a natural feeling for any aspiring guitar
player. Music is a gift from god. The ability to learn is enhanced by
good music to copy. I feel that I jammed with the Ventures many times
in my life in my living room. The good feeling is enjoyed within, each
and every time. Time goes on and my life has changed. All my band
friends have married and most don't play. My Mosrite is 30 years old and
nearly worn out. But I enjoy playing great music, with the Ventures, and
I think they would enjoy playing with me. Without them, I would have
quit long ago.
Erik N Thorsen, Washington: The Ventures introduced me to the
guitar when I was a kid. The first time I heard them (Walk, Don't Run)
I was hooked.
C. Ricardo Linares, California: I am a local full time musician
here in Orange County (California) but I am originally from Peru. I grew
up listening to Venture's records, which inspired me to learn the
guitar. Even now I collect their albums, and play some of their hits.
They are and always will be a meaningful and beautiful part of my life.
Edward Allen Ore, California: I was introduced to the music of
The Ventures when I was 9 years old. They were and still are an
inspiration. Thier music inspired me along with probably every other
guitar player in the world to play.
James E. Haskell, Maine: 40 years ago I heard the Ventures play,
which led me to start playing the guitar - still playing after all these
years and enjoying it more and more
Fred Sawyer, Washington: The Ventures' music rings of sun, sand and
surf - the promise of summer fun. I've listened to them since "Walk -
Don't Run" hit the airwaves the summer of 1960 - almost 40 years - and
I still get a thrill everytime I play it. The talent of the current
group carries forward the artistry of the original - the new music is
as great as ever.
Carlos Andre Laner, Brazil: The Ventures are very loved here in
Brazil. My father introduced me to this incredible sound.
Allen Thacker, West Virginia: The Ventures have always been a
major musical force in my life. I actually learned to play the guitar
with the Ventures albums. I have also played their first four albums
until they will not play anymore.
Gordon Mack Ray, Tennessee: I grew up with the Ventures. From the
beginning I envied those guys and dreamed of being able to play a guitar
like that. They are a part of rock and roll history and deserve to be
in the hall of fame. When I think of great players and their music, I
always remember The Ventures. I have learned to play some of their
tunes.
Vachik Yeganian, California: In late 60's I started getting drums
lessons and the next year I took the second position in drumer contest
in Tehran, Iran. I was inspired with Ventures music and in 1969, while
in high school, I formed an instrumental band called 'The King Bees'.
We started playing all Ventures music, and became the first ever
instrumental band in a high school in Iran. During those years, we
played 'The House of Rising Sun, 'Night Stick, Walk Don't Run, etc. We
never got the opportunity to see and meet the legendary 'Ventures', but
were inspired with their power. They provided strong influence every
where in the world.
Jan Haire, South Carolina: I have been a life long fan of the
Ventures (I was born in '67 and my Dad was the one that turned me on to
them). To this day, my dad and I still collect the original releases on
phonograph. I am a graphic artist and a small time film maker, and the
Ventures have been a BIG inspiration to me, as well as a lot of other
artists and musicians. When I made my cartoons, "Elsie Mae" and "Space
Fairies," I used the Ventures' music exclusively in the films. (Of
course, these film were not released, as I was only sixteen when I made
these cartoons at the art school I was going to in Greenville, SC).
Their music is great for setting whatever mood you want get across in
a film I'm surprised you don't hear a lot more of them in movies! My dad
was in a rock band in Knoxville,TN, back in the '60's and he said their
main influence was the Ventures. In the eighties, I was in a band who
was also greatly influenced by the Ventures.
Greg Nancarrow, Texas: The Ventures are the most inspirational
group for rock guitar players of the early rock'n'roll era of all time.
Between what I saw in Elvis and what I heard of the Ventures - I knew
I was going to be a rock'n'roller or die trying.
Alan R. Lunt, Hawaii: The Ventures were responsible for thousands
of youngsters taking up the guitar, and they contributed to the
formation and sound of many budding garage bands of the sixties. Many
guitar artists of the 60's, 70's and 80's were inspired to learn guitar
as a result of hearing the Ventures on the radio and records.
Accompanied by the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean, they were leaders of the
evolution of "Surf Music" into the American music vocabulary. Finally,
they were consumate musicians, mastering their instruments as well as
Segovia, Montoya, and Chet Atkins!
Leonard Heil, Pennsylvania: In the early 1960's I was a lead
guitar player in a band called "The Shadows" we were from Allentown, PA.
We were the hottest local band of that time and "The Ventures" were an
inspiration to "The Shadows" and many other local bands.
Timothy G. Casey, Texas: I began playing the guitar in 1969,
inspired by The Ventures, and have been playing ever since. I am sure
there are thousands of other guitarists who were greatly influenced by
this group.
Dennis Archer, Washington: I began playing guitar in 1960 and
played profesionally on the road from 1969 to 1977, and know for a fact
that not only myself but a lot of other guitar players and bands learned
their basic rythyms etc. by learning to play VENTURES songs.
Janet, Oregon: I was a bass player here in portland for years and
remember all the hard work to learn to play Walk Don't Run and other of
their great instrumentals.
James A. Millard Jr., Oregon: I am a drummer and the Ventures
were a great influence for me to learn to play Wipe Out, Walk Don't Run,
Pipeline etc. I am a perfectionist and I had to have it sound just like
the Ventures recordings. We were always getting requests to play their
music.
Thomas J Robson, Texas: When I first heard Duane Eddy, I had to play
guitar. My parents bought me my first one. After a couple of months I
could play everything he and Link Wray played. Then I heard The
Ventures! That's when I was TAUGHT how to play. They've made so many
people happy over the years with their dance music, theme tunes, and
great originals. I even took their music to Viet Nam with me when I
went.
Steven John Riihikoski, Oregon: When one thinks of the unique
sound of the Beatles or Roy Orbison, James Brown or the Beach Boys,
there is no mistaking their identities instantly. This distinction is
shared by the Ventures, who from "note one" established themselves as
a classic "voice" in pop/rock music. And they did it without the
"voice"! Their vital guitar-driven arrangements and versatility have
never faltered, from their earliest interminglings of country and jazz
to their later renditions of classical and cool latin tunes and through
it all, never did they lose touch with their sound. They have toured
tirelessly and recorded prolifically for FORTY years, with some
personnel changes, and yet kept the heart of their identity intact. Last
year in concert, I heard the same four Ventures perform that I had
originally heard in 1965, and their vitality of sound still moved the
audience the way it always has. The longevity of the Rolling Stones has
long been recognized....and yet the Ventures fashioned their musical
persona several years earlier and are still going strong. The time has
come for the proper acknowledgment of the Ventures in the Hall of
Fame.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This gets to be a bit repetitive after a while doesn't it? Well, that
was only a very, very small sampling of the thousands of letters I've
received from fans of The Ventures who have wanted to add
their names to this campaign to have this landmark rock and roll band
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I've quoted many others
fan letters in prior petition packages and I've also quoted many big-name rock superstars -- like George Harrison and Joe Walsh, among others
-- who have cited The Ventures as major musical influences. What
other criteria is needed for their induction? Even if the members of
the Hall of Fame Foundation don't think highly of instrumental music in
general and The Ventures in particular, the tremendous influence
that The Ventures have had on the history of rock and roll music
can not and should not be ignored.
Please vote "YES" for induction of The
Ventures. Why? Because it's the right thing to do and now
is the right time to do it!
Sincerely,
Arnold E. van Beverhoudt, Jr.
Committee Co-Chairman
P.O. Box 56
St. Thomas, VI 00804-0056
U.S.A.
Email: arnoldvb@islands.vi
Web: www.sandcastlevi.com
Attachments:
| To Cast Your Vote for The Ventures
| Attachment 1 > |
To See Petitions Already Submitted, Select From the Following Options:
| September 1997
| March 1998
| May 1998
| May 1999
| June 2000
| July 2001
| March 2004
| November 2006 |
|
