John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery (6 March 1925 - 15 June 1968) was an American jazz guitarist. He is generally considered one of the major jazz guitarists, alongside such figures as Django Reinhardt, Grant Green, and Charlie Christian.

John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery was an American jazz guitarist. He was born March 6, 1925, in Indianapolis, Indiana, as part of a musical family including his brothers Monk (string bass, electric bass) and Buddy (vibraphone, piano). He died of a heart attack on June 15, 1968. He is the grandfather of actor Anthony Montgomery. Many jazz guitarists today list Montgomery among their influences, including Pat Martino , Robert Conti , Lee Ritenour , Pat Metheny , George Benson , Pete Smyser , and Yo