Wes Montgomery

Date of Birth: March 6, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: June 15, 1968

Biography

Wes Montgomery, born John Leslie Montgomery, was an American jazz guitarist known for his exceptional technique and innovative approach to the instrument. He was born on March 6, 1923, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Montgomery is recognized for his unique thumb-picking style and his remarkable ability to play complex lines and solos with apparent ease. His career began in the 1940s, but he gained significant attention in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly with his recordings for Riverside Records. Montgomery’s breakthrough came with the album “The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery” in 1960, which showcased his virtuosity and established him as one of the leading jazz guitarists of his time. He collaborated with many jazz legends, including John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, and Wynton Kelly. Despite his relatively short career, Montgomery left an indelible mark on the world of jazz, influencing countless guitarists who followed in his footsteps. Wes Montgomery passed away on June 15, 1968, at the age of 45, but his music continues to be celebrated and studied by jazz enthusiasts around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Wes Montgomery

1. Wes Montgomery was largely self-taught and learned to play guitar by listening to records and playing along.

2. He developed his distinctive thumb-picking technique because he wanted to play quietly so as not to disturb his neighbors.

3. Montgomery won multiple Grammy Awards, including one for Best Instrumental Jazz Performance for his album “Goin’ Out of My Head.”

4. His song “Bumpin’ on Sunset” is one of his most famous compositions and remains a jazz standard.

5. Wes Montgomery’s influence extends beyond jazz, impacting genres such as rock, funk, and soul.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Wes Montgomery

1. “I never practice my guitar… from time to time I just open the case and throw in a piece of raw meat.”

2. “I’ve always wanted the sound of a guitar to be more like a piano.”

3. “Sometimes you want to give up the guitar, you’ll hate the guitar. But if you stick with it, you’re gonna be rewarded.”

4. “I never studied music formally; I just picked up the guitar and started playing.”

5. “I just play what I feel.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Wes Montgomery’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000, a significant amount for a jazz musician of his time.

Children

Wes Montgomery had seven children with his wife, Serene Montgomery. His children include Robert Montgomery, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a musician.