Largely self-taught, Montgomery is often thought of as a blues pianist, and he was in fact an important blues pianist with an original style. He was also quite versatile, however, and worked in jazz bands including larger ensembles that used written arrangements. Although he did not read music, he learned band routines by ear -- once through an arrangement and he had it memorized. Among his original compositions are Shreveport Farewell, Farrish Street Jive, and Vicksburg Blues.
