William Green is an extraordinary musical artist that captures and expresses the sentiments of a generation. He is continuously expanding his horizons to make an impact on society by creating a union between music and life. Through his music, he has allowed different genres of contemporary jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and gospel to integrate into a new and unique form. In celebration of 40 years in the music industry and a ‘thank you’ to his fans and newcomers, the legendary jazz icon recently held a special 40th anniversary celebration at City Winery Atlanta and performed before a sold-out crowd.
A full-time musician, composer, songwriter and producer, Green is passionate about his piano, and he puts his heart and soul into his performances. He delivers funky, upbeat, soulful and contemporary jazz sounds, and exudes unforgettable stage appeal and showmanship. He possesses one of those rare, “instant classic” voices — forceful, yet gentle. Green’s music is beautiful, lyrically refreshing, vocally and melodically unique, timeless, rich and jazzy. His previous three albums, possessed an exceptionally well-composed body of original songs, written and produced by Green. “I pride myself on creating timeless music that can be shared with the world for a lifetime. It’s important to me to create timeless music because of recognizing the lack of musical integrity that now exists in the music industry,” says Green. He has written and produced for numerous artists.
Green has showcased his charismatic charm and keyboard mastery with audiences around the world (Japan, Europe, Africa), while performing nationally with acclaimed artists such as Boney James, Tom Brown, Earl Klugh, Roy Ayers, Mindi Abair, Peabo Bryson, Cameo, Valerie Simpson, Kenny Lattimore, Melba Moore, Jennifer Holiday, Jean Carne, the sons of Otis Redding (military tour), BB King All-Star Band and Curtis Mayfield. He also had the privilege of appearing with, Susan Tedeschi, as the opening act for the Rolling Stones, opened for Spyro Gyra and The Yellow Jackets. Green was selected as one of the performing artists at the 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival. In addition, he was co-host of the 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival Session. He has also performed at the Capital Jazz Festival in the nation’s capitol. Green has performed with his band, The Magic Dream Band, at
the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, performed to a sold-out show at City Winery Atlanta (and was asked to come back the same night of his original show for a show two months later), Cafe 290, Satchmo’s Jazz Cafe, Sambucca Jazz, St. James Live, Arizona’s, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and numerous venues and private events in the Atlanta jazz circuit and on the East Coast.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, the extraordinaire pianist/singer/songwriter grew up with music all around him, and Green’s love affair with the piano was obvious at an early age. “As a child growing up, I listened to Gospel, Pop, Soul and Jazz music. My parents didn’t play music, but they allowed me to play music,” says Green. “Some of my influences include Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Joe Sample, Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones.”
He added, “I played throughout high school and college. I learned by ear on my own. Then, I took piano lessons while in grammar school. Once I attended high school, I then learned music theory and composition. Once I entered college, I learned how to perform musically… William graduated from Chicago Vocational High, where he learned how to read, write and compose music. He later furthered his education at Morehouse College and Georgia State University majoring in Commercial Music.
Video performance
Follow William Green:
Facebook.com/ William Green
Facebook.com/William Green Music
Twitter: WilliamGreenMus
Instagram: WilliamGreenMusic