• Born John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery – March 6, 1923 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Self-taught musician, learned by ear by studying guitarist Charlie Christian.
• Developed an unorthodox playing technique – using his thumb instead of a guitar pick
• Known for developing the guitar technique of playing in octaves while soloing.
• Toured with Lionel Hampton’s orchestra from July 1948 to January 1950.
• Returned to Indianapolis to be with his family, including his brothers Monk Montgomery (bass) and Buddy Montgomery (vibes) who together recorded for the Pacific Jazz Label.
• Signed to Riverside in 1959. Released a series of highly acclaimed, small-group recordings in the traditional jazz/bebop style of the day,
• November 1964, released the first of ten albums on the Verve Label (including 2 with organist Jimmy Smith)
• June 1965, released the classic “Smokin’ at the Half Note“.
• Began to crossover into pop/jazz style, where he prospered and gained recognition outside of jazz.
• 1966: Won Grammy Award for “Best Instrumental Jazz Performance”.
• Moved to the A&M Records and recorded 3 albums, consisting mainly of popular songs of the day.
• 1969: Won second Grammy, again for “Best Instrumental Jazz Performance”
• At his height of popularity Wes died of a heart attack on June 15th, 1968, leaving an unprecedented legacy as one of the great jazz innovators and improvisors.

To learn more about the life of Wes Montgomery, we recommend the biography at Wikipedia.