Dennis Montgomery, III (Denmont 3) is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, born on June 19, 1965. He started playing the piano and organ at age 4, and started singing at age 6. As a child, he love watching his parents work with church choirs around the Shreveport-Bossier area. One could say that his parents were his first teachers. The real astonishing factor is that his parents did not have to show him very much. To his parents amazement, Dennis was blessed with a special "Musical" gift from God.
At about age 6, his parents influenced with the importance of being the "Best" that he could be with what God had blessed him with, which was reading music. Mr. & Mrs. Montgomery Jr. saw so much musical talent in their son that they sat "Little Dennis" on the organ at St. Mary Baptist Church to play his first organ solo which was: "Father I Stretch My Hands To Thee". Barely tall enough to reach the pedals, Dennis played with confidence and style. Little did Dennis know that he unleashed something that the whole world treasure and be receptive to for a long time.
When turning age 7 Dennis had earn the reputation of a Child Prodigy. Choir directors from churches all around the city started to call on him to play, and be the guest organist at their annual "Choir Musicals". One church stands out in particular, and that's: Midway 2 Baptist Church, where Mr. Terry Williams serve as Minister Of Music. While doing all of this at such an young age, his parents also required his musical presence at his home church St. Mary Baptist Church every Sunday as well.
Dennis was hired at the Stonewall Baptist Chruch of Bossier City, La. to be their full-time organist at age 9. There, he accompanied his father, Dennis Montgomery Jr. on the organ until he finally graduated from Caddo Parish Magnet High in 1983. At age 10 he was hired at St. Mary Baptist church to be their part-time organist on Sundays he was not at Stonewall. In addition to playing for churches, Dennis, III also played for his school choirs, from elementary through high school. At West Shreveport Elementary, he had teachers such as: Mrs. Rose, Mrs. Loretta Crowder, Mrs. Judy Jones. When arriving at J. S. Clark Junior High, he met: Mrs. Margarett P. Hall, Mr. Dorsey Summerfield, and Mr. Lewis. Dennis had the distinct priviledge of having Mr. Dorsey Summerfield again upon arriving at Caddo Parish Magnet High. Also, at Caddo Magnet, he had two choir teachers: Miss. Leslie Connally, and Mrs. Patricia Britton. One might say that Dennis Montgomery, III had a full compliment of re-enforcement from teachers of a Superior calliber in reading music.
During his high school and college years, Dennis started playing for the "Youth Ralley Mass Choir", under the direction of Mrs. Hattie Wade, who was and currently the Minister Of Music of the Gallalee Baptist Church.
Coming to Boston, Ma. to attend Berklee College Of Music brought about a whole new world of music and education. Much thanks to Mrs. Britton, and Mr. Summerfield for the enriched preparation for the college years of 1983-88. When arriving, Dennis met up with Dr. John J. Weeks who was and currently the Minister Of Music of the Historic Twelfth Baptist Church. There he accompanied Dr. Weeks on the piano. At Berklee, he a fellow upper classman by the name of Mark Reddick. Mr. Reddick had a gospel style of playing the piano and organ that Dennis was surely and certainly hungry for. Also at Berklee, Dr. Orvile Wright was a hudge musical influence in Dennis's life. About two years after graduating from Berklee, Dennis became the Minister of Music of the Concord Baptist Church.
Dennis has performed with: Patti LaBelle, Regina Bell, Darrell Coley, James Cleveland, Andre' Crouch, Walter Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, Marvin Winans, Vickie Winans, C. C. Winans, The Yellow Jackets, Freda Battle, Donald Lawrence, John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Richard Smallwood, Alvin Slaughter, Kurt Karr, Kevin Bond, Walter Beasley, and Brandon Primus.
This profile was edited by Peyton A. Haley- Rideaux
