Each year in January, the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) holds its convention in Anaheim, CA.  This year at the 35th Annual TEC Awards dinner on January 18, Don Wilson was given the great honor of receiving the Music For Life Award, as detailed in the article from the Awards’ program.  The show started with the introduction of Jeff Baxter (Doobie Bros), Elliott Easton (Cars) and Steve Lukather (Toto).  Then those three great guitarists, backed by the full orchestra, played a medley of “Walk Don’t Run” and “Hawaii Five-O” which practically brought down the house!  After the applause subsided, Jeff went on to speak about The Ventures and Don Wilson, detailing the profound effect the group had on the music industry and their influence on so many musicians over so many decades. Then Jeff brought the award over to Don’s table and presented it to him.  It was a great moment.   Watch it here on YouTube.

Done Wilson receives Music for Life Award