Bob Bogle facts for kids

Robert Lenard Bogle (born January 16, 1934, died June 14, 2009) was an American musician. He helped start a famous band called The Ventures. He and his friend Don Wilson started the group in 1958. Bob played the lead guitar first, then switched to bass guitar for the band. In 2008, Bob and the other members of The Ventures were honored. They were added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for their amazing music.

Bob Bogle's Life and Music

Early Life and Starting a Band

Bob Bogle was born near Wagoner, Oklahoma. When he was 15, he worked as a bricklayer in California. He taught himself how to play the guitar.

In 1958, Bob met Don Wilson in Seattle. They worked together on building sites. Soon, they decided to form a band. They first called themselves the Versatones. This band later became the very popular group known as The Ventures.

The Ventures' Big Hits

Bob Bogle's guitar playing was very important to The Ventures' sound. In 1960, the band covered a song called "Walk, Don't Run". Bob's lead guitar on this song inspired many future guitarists. Famous musicians like John Fogerty and Stevie Ray Vaughan were influenced by his style.

Bob often used a special part of the guitar called a vibrato arm. This arm lets a player change the pitch of notes slightly. It made the guitar sound like it was "wobbling." This technique was very noticeable in their songs, including "Walk, Don't Run" and "Perfidia".

Later Years and Legacy

The Ventures' song "Wild Child" was used by another group called the Wiseguys. They used a part of "Wild Child" in their song "Start the Commotion". This song became a hit in Britain. It reached number 47 on the music charts. This gave Bob Bogle his only songwriting credit on the British charts.

Bob Bogle passed away on June 14, 2009, at the age of 75. He died in Vancouver, Washington. His music with The Ventures continues to inspire many guitar players around the world.