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

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)]

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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.
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