Monk Montgomery

The oldest of the three Montgomery brothers, Monk Montgomery has the distinction of being the first significant jazz electric bassist, starting on the instrument in 1953. He actually did not start playing bass until he was already 30, but was soon strong enough to play with Lionel Hampton's Orchestra (1951-1953). He played in the Montgomery-Johnson Quintet in Indianapolis with his brothers Wes and Buddy (along with tenor saxophonist Alonzo Johnson and drummer Robert Johnson) during 1955-1956. Monk moved to Seattle, was joined by Buddy, and they formed the Mastersounds, a popul...