NOKIE EDWARDS INTERVIEW #1
(Originally aired on September 23, 2010)
As lead guitarist with the Ventures, Nokie Edwards helped pioneer the sound of instrumental rock. In the early '60s, he and his bandmates brought electric guitar into the homes of legions of Americans who were just beginning to discover stereo LPs. The band's eclectic repertoire included movie and TV themes, surf tunes, as well as hot-rod and space-themed pieces featuring special effects. With albums sales of more than 110 million, the Ventures ultimately became the best-selling instrumental band of all time. In 2008, Edwards and his cohorts were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and they continue to play concerts in the US and abroad.
In our exclusive interview, Edwards talks about his 2010 album, Hitchin' A Ride, how he approaches composing, and his custom HitchHiker guitars — instruments he designed and markets. We'll also hear tracks from Hitchin' A Ride.