No other instrumental cover band this century has been as non-stop as the Ventures. Starting the band in 1959, Don Wilson and Bob Bogle teamed up with Nokie Edwards and Mel Taylor in 1962. In 1968, Gerry McGee replaced Nokie Edwards as the bands new guitar player. Recording over 200 songs in their career, The Ventures have never once taken a year off from recording. Although most of their songs were cover tunes, they also had several songs of their own. One of their most famous originals was "Walk, Don't Run" which came out in 1960. Some of their famous cover tunes include "Hawaii Five-O," "Pipeline," and "The Lonely Surfer."

Over the years, The Ventures have established a well known name for themselves world-wide. Every year, they tour in Japan. Their annual appearance in Japan is such a huge event, that it is almost considered a national holiday.