About Wes Montgomery
John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery (March 6, 1923 – June 15, 1968) was an American jazz guitarist. He is most known for his unusual technique of plucking the strings with the side of his thumb and for his extensive use of octaves, which gave him a distinctive sound. Montgomery often worked with his brothers Buddy (Charles F.) and Monk (William H.), as well as organist Melvin Rhyne. His recordings up to 1965 were oriented toward hard bop, soul jazz, and post bop, but around 1965 he began recording more pop-oriented instrumental albums that found mainstream success. His later guitar style influenced jazz fusion and smooth jazz. == Early life and education == Montgomery was born in the Haughville neighborhood of Indianapolis, Indiana, where a historical marker at the Northwest corner of 10th Street and Bellafontaine Street commemorates his birth. He was the third son of Thomas and Francis Blackman Montgomery. Both of his parents are known to have migrated from Floyd County, Georgia during the Great Migration and, after marrying in Indiana, they established their household through Thomas' work at the National Malleable & Steel Castings Company. According to NPR, the nickname "Wes" was a child's mispronunciation of his middle name, Leslie. Documents from the newspaper Indianapolis Recorder make note of his parents hosting practice sessions for a folk and vocal group "The Blackburn Quartette" in 1926.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.