From left, Gerry McGee, Bob Spalding, Leon Taylor, Don Wilson, Nokie Edwards
The members of US guitar band The Ventures are the first foreign pop musicians to receive a decoration by the Emperor of Japan. Don Wilson
Nokie Edwards, Gerry McGee, Bob Spalding, and Leon Taylor were decorated with “The Order of the Rising Sun” today.
Since they started touring Japan for the first time in 1962 The Ventures became very popular in Japan. The performed more than 2000 times in Japan. The Japanese call the typical Ventures guitar sound “teke teke”. The Ventures are known for their guitar driven instrumentals.
Lost & Sound 