Charles Green
b. c.1900, Omaha, Nebraska, USA, d. February 1936. After working tent shows in the early '20s, trombonist Green joined Fletcher Henderson in 1924. He drifted in and out of the band over the next few years, in between times playing in the outfits of Benny Carter and Chick Webb. In the mid- and late '20s he played on numerous recording sessions, including those led by Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, James P. Johnson, Zutty Singleton, Don Redman, Jimmie Noone and the Empress of the Blues, Bessie Smith. On some of his records Green's playing sounds basic but he was in fact a gifted melodic player with a delightful tone and wide-ranging ability who sometimes chose to play within fairly narrow limits. He was an exceptional accompanist and was especially sensitive when working with singers. His performances with Smith include Work House Blues, House Rent Blues, Trombone Cholly and Shipwreck Blues, all classics, with the last title being a particularly fine example of his understanding of the singer's needs. Green died in New York in February 1936 when, on returning home from an engagement, found he couldn't gain access to his home, fell asleep on the doorstep, and froze to death.