What This Bill Does
This resolution honors John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery on the 100th anniversary of his birth. The Senate recognizes his contributions to jazz music and his legacy as an influential musician from Indiana.
Who It Affects
This resolution does not directly affect specific individuals, businesses, or government agencies. It is a statement of Senate recognition only.
Key Provisions
The bill contains no binding requirements or actionable provisions. It expresses the Senate's view that Wes Montgomery's contributions to jazz music continue to enrich the music industry and inspire musicians worldwide. It also calls for recognition and celebration of his legacy as a great Indiana musician, especially on March 6, 2023, marking his 100th birthday.
What Changes
Nothing legally changes if this resolution passes. A Senate resolution is a statement of opinion, not a law that requires action or creates new rules.
Important Definitions
None defined in the bill text.
III
118TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. RES. 102
Observing the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Leslie ‘‘Wes’’
Montgomery and commemorating his contributions to jazz music.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
MARCH 9, 2023
Mr. BRAUN (for himself and Mr. YOUNG) submitted the following resolution;
which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Observing the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Leslie
‘‘Wes’’ Montgomery and commemorating his contribu-
tions 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 Indianap-
olis, Indiana;
Whereas Wes Montgomery was naturally gifted in the musi-
cal arts and became proficient on the 4- and 6-string gui-
tar 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;
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•SRES 102 ATS
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 Senate that—
1
(1) the contributions of John Leslie ‘‘Wes’’
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Montgomery to jazz music continue to enrich the
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music industry and inspire countless musicians
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across the world; and
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•SRES 102 ATS
(2) the legacy of John Leslie ‘‘Wes’’ Mont-
1
gomery as a great Hoosier musician should be recog-
2
nized and celebrated, especially on March 6, 2023,
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which marks the 100th anniversary of his birth.
4
Æ
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