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Wes Montgomery Wes Montgomery, born on March 6, 1923, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was an influential American jazz guitarist known for his distinctive playing style and his innovative approach to the guitar. Montgomery's career spanned from the late 1940s until his untimely death in 1968, during which he established himself as one of the greatest and most influential guitarists in the history of jazz. Montgomery began playing guitar at a young age and was largely self-taught. He developed a unique and highly influential playing style that combined elements of bebop, blues, and his own innovations. Montgomery was known for his use of octaves and chord melodies, as well as his smooth, fluid single-note lines. Montgomery rose to prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s with a series of acclaimed albums recorded for the Riverside and Verve record labels. His 1960 album "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery" is considered a classic of the genre and features Montgomery's innovative guitar playing on tracks like "Four on Six" and "West Coast Blues." One of Montgomery's most distinctive techniques was his use of his thumb to pluck the strings, rather than a pick. This technique gave his playing a warm, round tone and contributed to his unique sound. Montgomery's use of the thumb became a hallmark of his playing style and has since been emulated by generations of guitarists. In addition to his technical prowess, Montgomery was also known for his deep sense of swing and his ability to convey emotion through his playing. His soulful, bluesy approach to the guitar resonated with audiences and musicians alike, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected guitarists in the history of jazz. Wes Montgomery's influence on the guitar and jazz music as a whole is immeasurable. His innovative approach to the instrument and his unique playing style have had a lasting impact on generations of musicians, and his legacy as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time is secure.