He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Montgomery's recordings for Riverside Records (1959-1963) include The Incredible Guitar of Wes Montgomery (1960).
After Riverside went bankrupt, Montgomery recorded for Verve Records (1964-1966), including the album Smokin' at the Half Note (1966).
Montgomery signed with A&M Records in 1967 and recorded three popular albums.
Montgomery died of a heart attack in 1968.