Tomorrow (June 15) marks the 48th anniversary of Wes Montgomery’s premature death. Wes has left a considerable legacy with the albums he recorded for Riverside, Verve and A & M records. Recently some previously undiscovered recordings have come to light and are being issued. The most recent being One Night in Indy (with The Eddie Higgins Trio). This live recording from January, 1959 was done in Wes Montgomery’s hometown of Indianapolis.
Wes passed away at his home in Indianapolis from a sudden heart attack on the morning of June 15, 1968. He had just finished a tour and, as was his custom, this tour was done by automobile with Wes behind the wheel. Wes disliked flying.
His wife Serene was with him at the time of his passing and there is some small comfort in that fact.