Professor Kevin Finch’s “Wes Bound” Documentary Garners Prestigious Recognition

By Brian Laubscher
April 17, 2024

Kevin Finch, associate professor of journalism at Washington and Lee University, and his film documentary, "Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery," took home a major award from the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards Festival Gala held virtually on Tuesday, April 16.

"Wes Bound," produced by Finch's company, Jukeboxer Productions, claimed silver in the Documentary: Biography/Profiles category. His film was one of 17 documentary finalists and finished ahead of films produced by several industry titans.

"It's gratifying for our little film about a giant in jazz to get recognition in the company of so many impressive international broadcasters and streamers," said Finch. "Other finalists included Netflix, Fox Sports Network, Channel 4 UK, NHK of Japan and BBC, who claimed gold in the category."

"Wes Bound" aired nationwide via American Public Television (APT) throughout February 2024, reaching 76% of the national television audience in the process. The hour-long documentary chronicles the life and influence of jazz guitar legend Wes Montgomery, who died of a heart attack in 1968 at the age of 45.

Finch began working on the film in 2019 alongside Montgomery's youngest son, Robert Montgomery. Together, they collected more than 50 hours of interview footage with family members, frequent jazz collaborators, historians and major names in the rock and jazz industry. The film is narrated by NPR's Eric Deggans and reveals how Montgomery defined a generation of jazz music, leaving a worldwide music legacy.

Finch has been a member of the W&L faculty since 2013 following a distinguished career in television media and journalism. He holds a Bachelor of Science in radio-television from Murray State University and a Master of Arts in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield.

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