HALL OF FAME HONOREE

NOKIE EDWARDS GONE AT AGE 82

                      Nokie Performing at the 13th Annual Native American Music Awards Pictured Above

Nokie Edwards (Cherokee), universally recognized as one of the world’s premiere guitarists and member of the internationally acclaimed instrumental group, The Ventures, has died at the age of 82.

Known for his innovative guitar sound, and credited for such hit songs as; Hawaii Five-O, Walk Don't Run, Surf Rider and Wipe Out, Nokie died from complications of a hip surgery he had in December in Yuma, Arizona according to a family source. 

Nokie won Best Instrumental Recording at the 12th Annual Native American Music Awards for his solo instrumental effort, Hitchin' A Ride. He was also honored with a Hall of Fame Induction by the Native American Music Association at the 13th Annual Awards ceremony in 2011 and performed.

Native American Music Association President, Ellen Bello recalls, “One of the first sounds to capture me as a child were the guitar riffs of Nokie Edwards from the song, Wipe Out. I could never hear enough of it. To personally have met Nokie, the Legend behind that hit song, and be able to induct him into our Association’s Hall of Fame, was a tremendous honor that I will always cherish and remember. On behalf of the Native American Music Association & Awards, I extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Nokie's wife Judy, and their family and friends. Nokie was an inspiration to so many individuals and bands. He will be greatly missed." states Ellen Bello.

Nokie Edwards was born Nole Floyd “Nokie” Edwards on May 9, 1935 in Lahoma, Oklahoma. He was one of 12 children of Albert Lee Edwards and his Cherokee mother, Nannie Mae Quinton. Nokie first picked up the guitar at age 5. By age 11, he was playing every string instrument but chose the guitar to master. He turned professional at the age of 12 and by age 17, his guitar technique was unprecedented.

Nokie first joined Don Wilson and Bob Bogle to form the Ventures in 1959. These surf-rock icons became the number one instrumental band in the world and were considered a phenomenon in the music business. Nokie and his group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. They were inducted by John Fogerty who hailed their pioneering sound that “empowered guitarists everywhere.” To date, The Ventures recorded over 350 albums and sold over 100 million albums worldwide.

Nokie’s many accomplishments include composing the song, ‘Ginza Lights (Futari No Ginza)’ which was one of the first Ventures’ hits in Japan. The Lively Ones' hit Surf Rider,  which was used in the final sequence of Quentin Tarantino's film, Pulp Fiction. Nokie’s contributions in the Light Crust Doughboys’ albums; 20th Century Gospel and Southern Meets Soul also earned him two GRAMMY nominations.

Nokie played Fender Telecasters before switching to Mosrite guitars until 1967. He designed and sold his own customized guitar called, “The Hitchhiker,” a hybrid of the best elements from the Fender Telecaster and Mosrite guitars.

As a solo artist, Nokie has recorded over two dozen solo albums including the award-winning, Hitchin A Ride. He has been a guest performer on dozen of CD recordings, has received numerous awards along with his inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Native American Music Hall of Fame. Nokie also performed on the soundtrack for the movie, “Pulp Fiction,” and appeared as an actor in the HBO series, “Deadwood.”

Nokie will forever be revered as one of the world’s best and most influential guitarists. Nokie’s unique guitar style and sound will always be remembered as will his endearing sense of humor and his enjoyment for telling jokes. As part of his recipient speech at the 13th Annual Native American Music Awards, where he was inducted into the Music Association’s Hall of Fame, Nokie cracked a couple of jokes. You can view his induction on the following link:

https://youtu.be/MoqhwUNJrYk

From the era of 45s and LPs, to the age of social media and digital downloads, master musician Nokie Edwards and his unprecedented talent will undoubtedly withstand the test of time.

Nokie leaves behind his wife Judy and their four children from previous marriages. Nokie's leaves his daughter Tina (he tragically lost his other daughter Kim in a car accident in 1988) and Judy's two boys' Patrick and Seth. Together, there are six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Judy also serves as president of the Nokie Edwards Official USA Fan Club.

Our thoughts and prayers to Nokie’s wife Judy and their family. Nokie will be greatly missed but his music and undeniable guitar style will live on forever.

For more information on Nokie Edwards, visit his official website, http://www.nokieedwards.com/biography.htm 

or visit us at www.NativeAmericanMusicAwards.com