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Buddy Montgomery: The Youngest Brother Who Kept the Music Alive
Charles “Buddy” Montgomery was born on January 30, 1930, in Indianapolis, Indiana—the youngest of the Montgomery brothers, a family that would become one of jazz’s most remarkable musical dynasties. While his older brothers Monk and Wes would achieve fame on bass and guitar respectively, Buddy carved his own path, mastering both piano and vibraphone with equal facility.

Early Steps in a Legendary Family
Buddy began his professional career in 1948 at just eighteen years old. By the following year, he was playing with blues shouter Big Joe Turner, then working alongside the innovative trombonist Slide Hampton—learning the ropes from established masters while developing his own voice.

After fulfilling his military service in the Army—where he led his own quartet, never letting Uncle Sam keep him away from music for long—Buddy returned to civilian life ready to make his mark.

The Mastersounds Era
In the late 1950s, Buddy joined forces with his brother Monk to form the Mastersounds, a vibrant West Coast jazz group that produced ten recordings and helped define the accessible, groove-oriented sound that made jazz appealing to wider audiences without sacrificing musicality. The Mastersounds were part of that great wave of organ-and-vibes combos that kept the clubs packed and the jukeboxes humming.

Simultaneously, Buddy led the Montgomery-Johnson Quintet with saxophonist Ray Johnson from 1957 to 1959, helming his first recording session as a leader—proof that even within the family business, he had his own ideas about what jazz could be.

A Brief Brush with Miles
Buddy played briefly with Miles Davis—imagine being good enough to catch Miles’ attention, even momentarily. But when the Mastersounds disbanded, family called once again. Buddy and Monk joined their brother Wes for a series of “Montgomery Brothers” recordings, with Buddy contributing sophisticated arrangements that showcased all three siblings’ talents.

Tragedy on the Road
The brothers toured together in 1968, three Montgomery brothers bringing their distinctive Indianapolis sound to audiences across the country. But in the middle of that tour, tragedy struck: Wes died suddenly of a heart attack at just 45 years old, robbing jazz of one of its most influential guitarists and the Montgomery family of its brightest star. The loss was devastating, both personally and professionally.

Starting Over, Giving Back
In 1969, still processing his grief, Buddy moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he dedicated himself to teaching music—passing on what three generations of Montgomerys had learned about swing, harmony, and making music that moved people. He spent years nurturing young talent, ensuring that the knowledge didn’t die with his brother.

Oakland and a Second Act
In the 1980s, Buddy relocated to Oakland, California, where he experienced something of a renaissance. He released solo material that showcased his mature artistry and played with the Riverside Reunion Band alongside heavyweights like saxophonists Charlie Rouse and David “Fathead” Newman, and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, peers who understood and appreciated what Buddy brought to the bandstand.

A Full Musical Life
Buddy Montgomery—vibraphonist, pianist, composer, arranger, bandleader, producer, and teachercontinued working in all these capacities right up until his death on May 14, 2009. He produced fourteen recordings as a leader over his career, each one a testament to his versatility and his refusal to be limited by anyone’s expectations.

More Than “The Other Montgomery Brother”
It would have been easy for Buddy to be overshadowed by Wes’ legendary status or defined solely as “one of the Montgomery brothers.” Instead, he built a career that honored the family legacy while establishing his own distinct identity. His vibraphone playing had a clarity and swing that was unmistakably his own. His piano work combined the influence of Indianapolis stride players with bebop sophistication. His arrangements showed a deep understanding of how to make a small group sound rich and full.

And perhaps most importantly, his decades of teaching ensured that the Montgomery musical tradition, that Indianapolis approach to swing, melody, and making accessible music still challenges close listening. His legacy would continue through his students who never met Monk or Wes but learned from Buddy what it meant to be a complete musician.

The Youngest, But Not the Least
Buddy Montgomery lived to 79, longer than either of his famous brothers—and used that time wisely, creating, teaching, and keeping the music alive. He proved that being the youngest Montgomery brother wasn’t a limitation but an opportunity to build something that lasted.

From teenage piano prodigy in Indianapolis to elder statesman of Oakland’s jazz scene, Buddy Montgomery showed that longevity in jazz isn’t just about surviving, it’s about continuing to grow, give, and create until the very end.

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