In 1960, the Ventures released the single "Walk, Don't Run." This song, and the many others that followed, carved the shape of a new guitar-driven rock instrumental style that inspired millions of guitar players worldwide.

Nokie Edwards worked with the Ventures for a total of nineteen years, and still plays and records with them occasionally, in addition to continuing his own solo career.

We spoke with Nokie by phone and email recently, and he kindly filled us in on the past, present, and future of Nokie Edwards.

Q: Nokie, we've always known that the Ventures were a major hit in Japan, and that the band still enjoys immense popularity there. How do you explain the sustaining power that has kept that kind of popularity in another country for over three decades?

NOKIE: We had a lot of number one hits. We were awarded the Grand Prix Award in the early 60's, there were only three given out at that time. We were the only foreign group that received one. One of the songs that I wrote for Japan was "Ginza Lights," and even today, it is still the all time favorite song. 

Q: Where did you make the switch from the legendary Mosrite guitars to the Telecaster that you now play?

NOKIE: In the beginning I played a Telecaster and when we were involved with Mosrite, I played them from 1963 to 1966. Then I started to play my Nokie Telecaster.  

Q: Is your Telecaster a signature model that Fender produced, or is it a custom-made Fender piece?

NOKIE: It's a custom-made signature model that I designed.

Q: Even though you officially left the Ventures in 1984, you still perform some dates with them. Does this happen when Gerry McGee (current lead guitarist in the Ventures) can't travel, or does he step aside when you're on board?

NOKIE: When Gerry McGee isn't available, I fill in if I'm not booked elsewhere. Gerry and I are good friends.

Q: Aside from touring with the band, have you recorded with the Ventures in the last several years?

NOKIE: Yes . . . I just finished recording thirty-seven songs with the Ventures in February.

Q: Tell us about your solo work.

NOKIE: I still go to Japan once or twice a year. I play the Chet Atkins Appreciation Show in Nashville, TN at the Music City Sheraton in July. I also perform at Muriel Anderson's All-Star Guitar Night, which is set up for the Gilda's Cancer Fund for cancer victims and their families. I perform at the show in Nashville and California. I'm still recording my own CDs and videos. 

My wife Judy and I get a lot of enjoyment out of running my international fan club. Judy restarted my fan club for me in 1989. The fan members over the years have become part of our family, not just a Nokie Fan Club. She has put together something special for the year 2000 party for the fans and a 10 year celebration for the Nokie and Ventures Fans.

So keep checking our web site www.nokie-edwards.com for information.

Q: Are you working with any other artists these days?

NOKIE: Sometimes I work with a country artist if I'm not working at the time. 

Q: Millions of guitar players have learned from your guitar work. Who were you learning from when you were developing your signature style?

NOKIE: I used to listen to Chet Atkins and Les Paul. 

Q: What do you think of today's guitar idols, and who do you enjoy listening to?

NOKIE: I think today that there are a lot of great players out there. And there are a lot of guitar players that haven't been recognized yet. In the country field, I listen to Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Steve Warner, and a great entertainer Thom Bresh, who is Merle Travis' son. Another up and coming great guitar player is Buster B. Jones that I also work with from time to time.

Other guitar players that I enjoy are James Burton, Albert Lee and an up and coming artist that I've worked with, Tommy Emmanual. Pick up one of his CD's, you will enjoy it. 

Q: I understand that you sometimes conduct guitar instruction and technique workshops. Is that done in association with someone, or is it your own enterprise?

NOKIE: In the past it's been both. Now I'm going to start doing instructional and educational videos about the guitar. I will have a surprise in the future to tell you about that I can't talk about at this time. I believe that the fans will be very excited about it.

For more information about Nokie Edwards, including a biography, discography, performances and other projects, check out the award-winning Nokie Edwards website

Special thanks to Judy Edwards, wife of Nokie Edwards.

Special thanks to Bob Sickler of RHS Design for the use of the photo of Nokie Edwards.

Nokie Edwards CDs, shirts, hats, posters, picks, signature guitar strings, and other Nokie and Ventures merchandise is available at the Nokie Edwards website.

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