This resolution recognizes the legacy and contributions of John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery to jazz music.
[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 208 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 208
Observing the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Leslie ``Wes''
Montgomery and commemorating his contributions to jazz music.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 8, 2023
Mr. Carson submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Education and the Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
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 House of Representatives
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.
<all>
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E173)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E198)
Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
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