Born in Detroit, Michigan, United States,[1] J.R. or JR (derived from Jr.) Monterose grew up in Utica, New York,[2] where his family moved a few months after his birth.
He began formal clarinet studies at thirteen, but was largely self-taught as a tenor saxophonist, which he took up at the age of 15 after hearing Glenn Miller band soloist Tex Beneke.
[1] Though the band had some excellent bop-oriented musicians (Rich, Dave Schildkraut, Allen Eager and Philly Joe Jones), Monterose soon left, citing the lack of soloing opportunities.
While Monterose considered himself an underground artist, his work, both as player and composer, remains esteemed by musicians, critics and aficionados of classic jazz.
"[5] It was this uncompromising insistence on going his own way, both musically and geographically, that moved jazz historian and writer David Brent Johnson to describe Monterose as "The Best Tenor You Never Heard".