Venturing: Concluded

After completing 25 tracks in the last month or so, I think I’m ready to declare my “Venturing” project complete. Here is a Youtube playlist so you can listen to them all.

Venturing #25: The Teaberry Shuffle

If you remember this, you are a geezer. Originally this was a tune titled “Mexican Shuffle” by the Tijuana Brass. It was turned into the “Teaberry Shuffle” for an ad campaign for Clark Teaberry gum. This is the same “Clark” as Clark Bars, meaning the company was headquartered in good ol’ Pittsburgh.

Venturing #24: Perry Mason

If you were around when this show was on the air, you will never forget this music.

Venturing #23: Ram Bunk Shush

“Ram Bunk Shush” was the Ventures third top forty hit, reaching #29 in 1961. It was written by pianist Bill Doggett, who also penned “Honky Tonk”, another favorite guitar-band number.

Venturing #22: Surf Rider

“Surf Rider” is a Ventures album track written by founding member Nokie Edwards.

Venturing #21: Peter Gunn

…Composed by Henry Mancini for the television show about a private eye — played by Craig Stevens — who is well-dressed, whose hair is always in place and who loves jazz.

The prominence of the guitar riff throughout led to the tune being very popular with guitar bands. Duane Eddy had a hit with it as well.

 

Venturing #20: Hawaii Five-O

“Hawaii Five O” was the Ventures’ last hit, charting in 1969. It was the theme from the TV show which debuted the prior fall in 1968. The Ventures’ popularity peaked in the early 60’s — before the British invasion.