Here is Wes Montgomery playing “Full House” on a British television show from 1965. The Verve albums (highlighted by live recordings with the Wynton Kelly Trio) included a hit in “Goin’ Out Of My Head” and a balance between commercial music that made Montgomery famous beyond the jazz world and more freewheeling sessions.ĭuring 1967-68, Wes Montgomery recorded three poppish albums for the A&M label that were often little more than pretty melody statements all were big sellers that gave the guitarist a bit of prosperity after so many years of struggle.īut it did not last long for Wes Montgomery died of a heart attack at the age of 45 in 1968. The guitarist, whose ability to play octaves became his trademark sound, wrote such songs as “Four On Six” and “West Coast Blues,” was featured on many brilliant recordings for Riverside during 1959-63 (including with Adderley, George Shearing and Milt Jackson), and had commercial success after the collapse of Riverside by signing with Verve. In 1959 Wes Montgomery had his breakthrough when Cannonball Adderley heard him in an Indianapolis club and urged producer Orrin Keepnews to sign him to the Riverside label, resulting in some of his finest albums including one accurately titled The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery. Montgomery toured with Lionel Hampton’s orchestra during 1948-50 but this was a false start, followed by a return to Indianapolis where he supported his family (which included seven children) by working at a day job as a welder for a radio parts manufacturer and frequently playing at two clubs each night, getting perhaps four hours of sleep a night.īy 1957, Buddy and Monk Montgomery were having success with their group the Mastersounds and Wes occasionally played with them, making a few lesser-known recordings during the next year. Self-taught, Montgomery learned to use his thumb rather than a pick on his guitar to achieve a softer sound so he would not disturb neighbors when he practiced. Wes was already 19 in 1942 before he started playing guitar, inspired by hearing Charlie Christian’s recording of “Solo Flight” with Benny Goodman. His brothers were vibraphonist and pianist Buddy Montgomery (1930-2009) and Monk Montgomery (1921-1982), who by the early 1950s had become the first significant electric bassist. Online condolences may be made at John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery was born on Main Indianapolis, Indiana. Memorial donations may be made to Lone Oak Baptist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Emergency Medical Services. Fox, James Madden, John Young, and Chris Maille. Pallbearers will be Derek Crass, Tyler Self, J.R. Other than a brief time playing with the John. Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Janie Klein children, Wesley (Lindsey) Klein, and Jennifer (Jay Lee) Jones mother-in-law, Helen Rittenberry Self grandson, Parker Weston Klein, and siblings, Larry (Bonnie) Klein, Kenny (Michele) Klein, Debbie (Kent) Sanborn, Donna Weigum, Lois Smith, Al (Vicki) Klein, Mary Ann Kjorstad, and Sallie Fryda. In 1960 the release of his album The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery made him famous in the jazz world. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Linda Klein, Roger Klein, Judy Weigum, Angie Zimmerman, and Frances Forderer. He was also a Veteran of The United States Army. In his spare time, Wes enjoyed hunting and fishing. Twenty-six of those years were spent as Director and Chief. Wes was a member of Lone Oak Baptist Church and retired Chief from EMS after 39 years of dedicated service. He was raised and educated in Beulah, ND. Wes entered this life on April 13, 1951, in Hazen, North Dakota to the late Joseph and Ida Klein. Montgomery was born in Manitoba, and moved to Fort. at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home and again on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, from 11 a.m. Wes Montgomery, who was CHED's morning man for almost 20 years and had been with CFCW for the past 12, died early Monday morning. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, from 3 to 8 p.m. Rare Promo Copy - Wes Montgomery - Return Engagement - Double Alumb Set - Circa 1974. Limited edition print signed by Eduardo Luzzatti. The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery. Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Lone Oak Baptist Church with Rev. CD, Wes Montgomery, Incredible Jazz Guitar, Jazz Classic, Hard Bop, Riverside Records, 1992 Release, 603615. All wes montgomery artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. Wesley Kevin Klein, affectionately known as “Wes”, age 70 of Clarksville, passed away Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at Tennova Healthcare.Ĭelebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Shop for wes montgomery wall art from the worlds greatest living artists.