Wes Montgomery

Wes Montgomery (1923-1968) revolutionized jazz guitar with his signature octave technique — playing melodies in parallel octaves using his thumb instead of a pick, producing a warm, rounded tone that was instantly recognizable. Self-taught, he began playing guitar at 19 after hearing a Charlie Christian record and within a few years was one of the most respected guitarists in jazz. The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery (1960) is considered one of the greatest jazz guitar albums ever recorded. His later pop-crossover albums like Bumpin' (1965) and A Day in the Life (1967) brought jazz guitar to mainstream audiences. He died of a heart attack at 45, at the height of his commercial success. His influence extends beyond jazz to rock, funk, and R&B guitar — George Benson, Pat Metheny, and Joe Pass all cite him as a primary influence.