Page 6

     Born March 31, 1911 Freddie Green was never a resident of Jenkins Orphanage, but he did study music there. He toured with the Jenkins Orphanage Band as a vocalist in the late 1920's. Freddie was considered the definitive rhythm guitarist throughout his long career. He seldomly soloed though there are a few recordings from early in his career that contain solo performances.

     Originally Freddie played banjo, but was playing guitar when in 1937 producer John Hammond heard him and recommended him to Count Basie. An audition lead to a job in Count Basie's Orchestra. Later a classic rhythm secton with Basie, Jo Jones, and Walter Page was formed and one night in the 1950's he sat in and never left. He was with the band past the death of Count Basie.

     Some of his works include "Corner Pocket" (later renamed "Until I Met You", "Down for Double", "Right On", and he performed with Billie Holliday on "The Loneliest Man In Town", "Why WasI Born", and "I Must Have That Man".

     Freddie Green died in Las Vegas Nevada on March 1, 1987. He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 2000.

One of the "Five Most Important Charleston Jazz Musicians"
(Charleston Jazz Initiative)