"Wes" Montgomery

Jazz guitarist John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery was born in Indiapolis, Indiana on On March 6, 1923 and passed on June 15, 1968. He is unanimously considered one of the major jazz guitarist emerging and is also considered as the greatest influence among modern jaz guitarist. His guitar style has influenced countless other guitarist such as George Benson, Emily Remler, Pat Metheny, and Jimi Hendrix. Although he was not skilled at reading music, he could learn complex melodies and riffs by ear. Montgomery started learning guitar at the relatively late age of 19, by listening to and learning the recordings of his idol, guitarist Charles Christian. He was known for his ability to play Christian's solos note for note and was hired by Lionel Hampton for this great ability. To listen to one of my favorite Wes Montgomery tunes entitled Bumpin' on Sunset go to youtube.com and select "videos" and scroolk to Wes Montgomaery- Bumpin' on Sunset 3 months ago and enjoy the music.