The Ventures-Greatest Hits (1992)

With an astounding one hundred million records sold worldwide, The Ventures are the most successful instrumental band in history, even surpassing the legendary The Shadows. Formed in the late 1950s in Tacoma, Washington, by Don Wilson, Bob Bogle, Nokia Edwards, and Mel Taylor, their musical style was primarily composed of surf and instrumental light rock sounds. Songs like "Walk, Don't Run", "Hawaii Five-O", "Pipeline", "Perfidia", "Lullaby of the Leaves", "Blue Moon", and "Sleep Walk" thrilled millions of fans across the globe, especially in their native Australia, Japan (where they are the most revered Western band), and Europe. Their catalog, comprising over 1,000 songs and more than 3,000 recordings, is one of the most listened-to in the history of contemporary music. Their sound became addictive, and their incredible audacity influenced thousands of guitarists worldwide. The Ventures were among the first to employ and popularize fuzz and flanger guitar effects, concept albums, and twelve-string guitars in rock. Their impressive instrumental virtuosity, innovation, and unique sound had a profound impact on countless musicians and bands, earning them the nickname "The Band That Influenced a Thousand Bands." Artists and groups who have publicly acknowledged their enormous influence include Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin, Steve Miller, George Harrison, Joe Walsh, Stephen Stills, The Ramones, Dire Straits, Aerosmith, Dead Kennedys, Carl Wilson, and Elton John. Their recording of "Walk, Don't Run" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its lasting impact, and in 2008 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.