[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 41 (Friday, March 3, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE RESOLUTION OBSERVING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
     BIRTH OF JOHN LESLIE ``WES'' MONTGOMERY AND COMMEMORATING HIS 
                      CONTRIBUTIONS TO JAZZ MUSIC

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                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 3, 2023

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great Hoosier pride and joy that 
I rise today to introduce a resolution celebrating the 100th 
anniversary of the birth of John Leslie ``Wes'' Montgomery.
  Wes Montgomery was born in my hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana on 
March 6, 1923 to Frances and Tom Montgomery. He was naturally gifted in 
the musical arts and demonstrated his talents on the 4- and 6-string 
guitar in his youth. He was a self-taught musician who learned to play 
the guitar by listening to recordings of another jazz genius, guitarist 
Charlie Christian. Wes Montgomery developed a unique and innovative 
finger style playing technique by using the thumb to play base notes 
simultaneously with the melodic lines. This wonderful style helped to 
propel his success as a renowned jazz guitarist.
  His musical gifts and performances became famous in jazz clubs in 
Indianapolis and he was recruited to tour with the Lionel Hampton 
Orchestra. In 1957, he joined his brothers Buddy and Monk to perform 
with other bands, and later released the album, the ``Wes Montgomery 
Trio'' and ``The Incredible Guitar of Wes Montgomery''. One of his 
biggest hits and most beloved albums was ``A Day in the Life'', which 
was rated the premier album on the Billboard Jazz Album chart, 2nd on 
the Billboard R&B Albums chart and 13th on the Billboard 200 chart.
  Sadly, we lost this incredibly bright star far too soon, when he died 
at his home in Indianapolis on June 15, 1968, at the age of 45. But his 
music and his legacy still shine in our hearts and wherever his music 
is played. His beautiful and heartfelt music inspired generations of 
other musicians, and it continues to fill us with joy today.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this 
resolution to honor a Hoosier and an American music legend. I urge the 
House to support this resolution.

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