Trivia Quiz about The Ventures: Kings of Electric Guitar

Suggestion from a member's mother

It is said that the band name The Ventures was suggested by the mother of founding member Don Wilson.

Caravan

Among The Ventures’ songs, “Caravan” stands out for its powerful rhythm and energetic performance, making it an indispensable staple, especially for concert encores.

Mosrite

The Ventures actively used the Mosrite guitar brand from the 1960s through the 1980s, and the “Ventures Model” is well-known. Later, Johnny Ramone of the Ramones and Kurt Cobain of Nirvana used it as well, bringing recognition to younger generations.

Tatsuji Nagashima

Tatsuji Nagashima is a legendary promoter in Japan’s music industry, known for arranging visits to Japan by major stars such as The Ventures, as well as the Beatles and Michael Jackson.

The McCoys

The McCoys, led by Rick Derringer—who later gained popularity as a solo artist—were named after the Ventures’ early track “The Real McCoy.” As the McCoys, they’re best known for hits like “Hang On Sloopy,” which reached No. 1 on the U.S. charts in 1965.

Walk, Don\’t Run

The Ventures’ “Walk, Don’t Run” was released in 1960 and reached No. 2 on the U.S. charts. Also known in Japan by the title “Isogaba Maware” (“More haste, less speed”), this cover of a standard composed by Johnny Smith showcases the appeal of the electric guitar and surf rock to the fullest, and is renowned as a classic that influenced many guitarists.

Yuzo Kayama

Yuzo Kayama is also known as a master of the electric guitar and was a Japanese musician who frequently performed with The Ventures. He strongly carried on The Ventures’ musical style and had a major influence on Japan’s electric guitar boom.