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Wes Montgomery Popular Song Rankings [2025]
Born into a musical family, he began playing the guitar at the age of 20 and gained popularity with his signature octave technique.
He is also known as a guitarist who advanced jazz guitar techniques.
Here is a ranking of some of his popular songs.
Wes Montgomery Popular Song Rankings [2025]
Road SongWes Montgomery1rank/position
Wes Montgomery is famous as a jazz musician who couldn’t read sheet music.
Yet he was a genius melodist, and this track lets you fully savor his unique sound featuring octave playing (plucking two strings).
It’s perfect for when you want to take a solo, aimless drive out into the countryside.
That restless feeling that pushes you to hit the road matches beautifully with the superb melody.
Full HouseWes Montgomery2rank/position
This piece was composed by Wes Montgomery, and the video features his own performance.
As one of his signature works, it lets you fully appreciate his famed octave technique.
Born in 1923, he came from a musical family in which his brothers were also jazz musicians.
The title of this piece is thought to be taken from a poker hand, and indeed he was known to have many children—his house was said to be a full house.
To support his family, he led a grueling life, working at a factory during the day and performing at clubs at night.
California NightsWes Montgomery3rank/position
Wes Montgomery, an American jazz guitarist, was a celebrated player who was active from the 1950s and passed away at the young age of 45.
A hallmark of his guitar playing is a technique known as the “octave style,” which became his signature.
The track “California Nights,” released in 1969, showcases this very octave technique.
It’s a piece that delivers a simple yet powerful melody, making it a smooth and enjoyable listen in sync with its jazz rhythm.
How InsensitiveWes Montgomery4rank/position
The song “How Insensitive,” with lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes and music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, is known in Japan as “Obakasan” (The Fool), but it’s more famous by its English title.
As with their other signature songs, the English lyrics were written by Norman Gimbel.
More More AmorWes Montgomery5rank/position
Wes Montgomery is such a famous guitarist that anyone who dabbles in jazz guitar is sure to know his name.
He’s especially well known for his frequent use of the octave technique, in which he layers a note an octave above the original.
Among his works, “More More Amor” is a classic that’s been widely covered not only by guitarists but also by artists like Akiko Yano.
The melodious phrases that flow from his beautiful, free-roaming fingerwork across the fretboard are very accessible, making this a great recommendation for jazz beginners.
Round MidnightWes Montgomery6rank/position
A masterful performance of ‘Round Midnight’ by jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery.
This piece is a jazz standard composed by Thelonious Monk.
As you can see in the video, Wes Montgomery is known for his unique playing style of using just his thumb.
Watch What HappensWes Montgomery7rank/position
Composed in 1960 by Antônio Carlos Jobim, this song is sung in the video by Astrud Gilberto, the wife of guitarist and singer João Gilberto.
She wasn’t originally a singer, but she happened to sing during the recording session and that became her debut.
Bossa nova often suits a whisper-like voice rather than a belting style.