Wes Montgomery was one of the most influential jazz guitarists of all time. His innovative technique of plucking the strings with his thumb, his use of octaves and chord melodies, and his diverse repertoire of hard bop, soul jazz, and pop-oriented albums made him a legend in the music world. But his life and career were cut short by a sudden heart attack at the age of 45. How did this happen and what was the impact of his death on the jazz scene?
Early Life and Career
Wes Montgomery was born John Leslie Montgomery on March 6, 1923, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He came from a large and poor family, and his parents divorced when he was young. He and his brothers, Buddy and Monk, moved to Columbus, Ohio, with their father, and later returned to Indianapolis. Wes did not start playing guitar until he was 19, when he bought a six-string guitar after hearing a Charlie Christian record. He taught himself how to play by imitating Christian’s solos and by listening to records. He could not read music and had no formal instruction.
He began playing professionally in local clubs, often with his brothers, who were also jazz musicians. In 1948, he was discovered by Lionel Hampton, who hired him for his band. Wes spent two years touring with Hampton, but he was afraid of flying and had to drive to every gig. He also had to deal with racial discrimination and low pay. He left Hampton’s band in 1950 and returned to Indianapolis, where he worked as a welder during the day and played in clubs at night.
Rise to Fame
In 1957, Wes met the producer Orrin Keepnews, who signed him to Riverside Records. This was the beginning of Wes’s rise to fame, as he recorded several albums that showcased his talent and versatility. He collaborated with some of the best jazz musicians of the time, such as Cannonball Adderley, Milt Jackson, Jimmy Smith, and John Coltrane. He also developed his signature style of playing octaves and chord melodies, which gave him a distinctive and rich sound.
Wes’s popularity grew in the early 1960s, when he switched to Verve Records and started recording more pop-oriented albums. He covered songs by The Beatles, Henry Mancini, Burt Bacharach, and others, and added strings and horns to his arrangements. He also experimented with different genres, such as bossa nova, blues, and funk. Some of his most successful albums from this period include Bumpin’, Goin’ Out of My Head, Tequila, and A Day in the Life. He won several Grammy Awards and was praised by critics and fans alike.
Wes Montgomery Cause of Death
Wes Montgomery was at the peak of his career when he died unexpectedly on June 15, 1968. He had just returned from a European tour and was preparing for a concert in Milwaukee. He was staying at his home in Indianapolis, where he suffered a heart attack and died in his sleep. He was only 45 years old.
The cause of his death was attributed to his unhealthy lifestyle and stress. Wes was a heavy smoker and drinker, and he had high blood pressure and diabetes. He also worked tirelessly, performing up to 300 gigs a year and recording constantly. He had little time to rest and relax, and he often neglected his family and his health.
His death was a shock and a loss for the jazz world and the music industry. He left behind a legacy of over 30 albums and hundreds of songs that influenced generations of guitarists and musicians. He was admired and respected by his peers and his fans, and he was considered one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time.
Conclusion
Wes Montgomery was a jazz legend who revolutionized the guitar and the music. His technique, his sound, and his repertoire were unique and innovative. He was a prolific and versatile artist who explored different styles and genres. He was also a humble and generous person who loved music and shared it with the world. His death was tragic and premature, but his music lives on and continues to inspire and delight us. Wes Montgomery cause of death was a sad event, but his life was a celebration of jazz and art.
