Ex-Venture hot picker JD Hoag

[Ron Pruter]

I just found out yesterday that a local guitar hero here in the East Phoenix area didn't win his battle with the corona virus. I heard rumors he was on a ventilator about a week ago. The same person also told me his health had been compromised years ago and left him with only one lung.
I never met him and saw him play only once, but looked forward to getting to know him. As you'll see, he's no typical picker. He was a master at Chet's style also.
I know he did play with the Ventures. I believe it was a Japanese tour. Enjoy the vid and check out some others of his. RIP JD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXiwIf_I2Uk

[Godfrey Arthur]

Godspeed J.D.!

Dang what a picker!!!:whoa:

Great tone!!! Fluid fingers!!!

Didn't know he was on the Venture roster of greats.







In Donny Grubb's band playing Walk Don't Run:

https://www.facebook.com/donny.grubb/vi ... 169991660/

[Joachim Kettner]

What a great guitar player! The vid that Godfrey posted of "Walk Don't Run" the twin leads are extreme! Thanks for that Ron, althoug it's very sad.

[Jeffrey Smith]

An amazing and enthusiastic performer! I'm sorry I've not known of him until now. A real loss. I'm glad we at least have a small way here of memorializing him.

Jeff

[Kevin Mincke]

Jay Dee!! What a GREAT player. Very sad circumstance to death. Thanks for posting.

[Dave Beaty]

JD was Marty Robbins guitar player and personal friend for over seven years.
Not only was he frightenly good on his instrument, he genuinely loved to bring joy to people through his music. I don't believe a kinder more honest or considerate man ever lived.

[Dave Beaty]

JD With Nokie touring in Japan = Sleepwalk (never cleaner):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCs5uA6lmE

Various:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEjxtWvA4rc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAIYLv6XI64

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA-6M9HG8UU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk5QXmAKgaY

[Carl Williams]

Dave,
Thanks for all the links...what a Master JD was and he’s left us with some great picking. Carl

[Godfrey Arthur]

Yes thanks for the links. They need to be titled properly with J.D.'s full name to be easier to find.

[Bill Arnold]

I had the pleasure of meeting and performing with JD at a place called Rooster's when I lived in Scottsdale back in the 90s. He was a gentleman and a superb player. I had totally lost touch with him over the years. JD was also with Marty Robbins which many people did not know. RIP JD.

[Andy DePaule]

My first record album was Walk, Don't Run. Next was the Fleetwoods.
First 45rpm was the Flying Purple People Eater when I was 11.
Those guys were great. RIP.

[Larry Lenhart]

This is indeed a great loss to the world and the world of music. I jammed with him a couple of times and was blown away with his skills on guitar. He would play at various locations in East Mesa and I had the pleasure of watching him play many times. He was in the audience at the SWSGA in 2019 and was smiling the whole time ! A very nice gentleman...such a shame to go out that way...any way is bad, but sad news.