Downtown in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John Leslie Wes Montgomery
1923-1968
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 15, 2024
1. John Leslie Wes Montgomery Marker, Side One
Innovative, self-taught jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery was born in Indianapolis. He began performing in clubs along Indiana Avenue, a Black cultural hub for the city, in the 1940s. He lived in a house near here on Cornell Avenue, later razed for the interstate. He toured internationally but regularly returned to the city to play, often with his brothers Monk and Buddy.
Montgomery developed a distinct style of picking with his thumbs and using octaves. By blending his unique sound with elements of pop, he found mainstream success in the 1960s. Considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time, he had several albums top the Billboard charts. He won Grammy Awards for Goin' Out of My Head, 1967, and Willow Weep for Me, 1970.
Erected 2023 by Indiana Historical Bureau William G. Pomeroy Foundation The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Jazz lovers worldwide. (Marker Number 49.2023.6.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Grammy Award Winners, and the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers
this page online
Location. 39° 46.882′ N, 86° 8.539′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of 10th Street and Bellafontaine Street, on the right when traveling west on 10th Street. Marker is immediately west of the Interstate 70 bridge over 10th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Indianapolis IN 46202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mass. Ave. and Chatham Arch (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); William P. Jungclaus Co. (approx. Ό mile away); North Western Christian University (approx. Ό mile away); James E. O'Donnell (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ovid Butler, Sr.
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 15, 2024
2. John Leslie Wes Montgomery Marker, Side Two
Also see . . .
1. Wes Montgomery: 'The Unmistakable Jazz Guitar'. Brief biography with playlist of the renowned jazz guitarist. (Nancy Wilson, NPRs Jazz Profiles, September 26, 2007) (Submitted on July 9, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Wes Montgomery. One of the most influential guitarists of the twentieth century, Montgomery was known for an unusual technique of plucking the strings with the side of his thumb and his extensive use of octaves, which gave him a distinctive sound. (Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame) (Submitted on July 9, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
3. Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery. This first full-length documentary of Wes Montgomery is told through the eyes of his youngest child, Robert Montgomery. (PBS) (Submitted on July 9, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 15, 2024
3. John Leslie Wes Montgomery Marker
Bruno of Hollywood for Verve Records (Public Domain), circa 1965
4. John Leslie Wes Montgomery
Montgomery, seen here in a publicity photo, taught himself how to play a six-string guitar after hearing a Charlie Christian record at a mid-1940s dance with his wife.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 319 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 9, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
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