Born: 6 March 1923 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Died: 15 June 1968 (sudden heart attack) in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (aged 45).

Wes is known for the use of his thumb rather than a plectrum; his trademark use of octaves in both melody and improvisation; his highly original melodic and rhythmic imagination.

Brother of the pianist and vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery (1930–2009), and of the bassist [a=Monk Montgomery] (1921–1982). Uncle of [a=Arthur Miles] (1949-2024).