[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 102 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>






118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 102

  Observing the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Leslie ``Wes'' 
     Montgomery and commemorating his contributions to jazz music.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 9, 2023

     Mr. Braun (for himself and Mr. Young) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Observing the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Leslie ``Wes'' 
     Montgomery and commemorating his contributions to jazz music.

Whereas, on March 6, 1923, John Leslie ``Wes'' Montgomery (referred to in this 
        resolution as ``Wes Montgomery'') was born to Frances and Tom Montgomery 
        in Indianapolis, Indiana;
Whereas Wes Montgomery was naturally gifted in the musical arts and became 
        proficient on the 4- and 6-string guitar in his youth;
Whereas Wes Montgomery was a self-taught musician and learned to play guitar by 
        listening to recordings of jazz guitarist Charlie Christian;
Whereas Wes Montgomery developed a unique fingerstyle playing technique uncommon 
        to jazz guitarists in his day, using the thumb to play bass notes 
        simultaneously with melodic lines;
Whereas Wes Montgomery crafted diverse and unconventional rhythms that became a 
        defining representation of bebop-style jazz guitar;
Whereas Wes Montgomery became famous after performing in jazz clubs in 
        Indianapolis and was later recruited to tour with the Lionel Hampton 
        Orchestra;
Whereas, in 1957, Wes Montgomery joined his brothers Buddy and Monk to perform 
        with other bands and record music with Pacific Jazz Records;
Whereas, following the release of Wes Montgomery's albums ``The Wes Montgomery 
        Trio'' and ``The Incredible Guitar of Wes Montgomery'', Wes Montgomery's 
        music became famous internationally, and his band traveled extensively 
        in Europe in the spring of 1965;
Whereas, in 1967, Wes Montgomery's album ``A Day in the Life'' was rated the 
        premier album on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, 2nd on the Billboard 
        R&B Albums chart, and 13th on the Billboard 200 chart; and
Whereas, on June 15, 1968, Wes Montgomery passed at his home in Indianapolis: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
            (1) the contributions of John Leslie ``Wes'' Montgomery to 
        jazz music continue to enrich the music industry and inspire 
        countless musicians across the world; and
            (2) the legacy of John Leslie ``Wes'' Montgomery as a great 
        Hoosier musician should be recognized and celebrated, 
        especially on March 6, 2023, which marks the 100th anniversary 
        of his birth.
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