Freddie Green “Mr. Rhythm” became his nickname because he was one of the best rhythm guitarist EVER!

Early life Born March 31st, 1911 in Charleston, SC. Exposed to music early in life. Played the ukulele as a child. Played the banjo at the age of twelve. Sam Walker, a friend of Freddie’s father, taught him how to read music.

Starting off He got his first job locally with a band called the Nighthawks. Then he toured with the famous Jenkins Orphanage band. (though Green was not a member of the school.) On their way back home, the bus took a pit stop in New York, and young Green decided to stay with his aunt.

Family Life Father died in 1921 when Freddie was only 10 Then young Freddie moved to New York with his maternal aunt. At age 16 he moved to Harlem and quit school. Then when he was 19 his mother died and he moved back to Charleston South Carolina. Freddie got married when he was around 20 and had a son. He then abandoned the ukulele and picked up the banjo. After that at age 21 he began to lean guitar.

Who influence Freddie Green John Hammond suggested Freddie Green to Count Basie Sam Walker taught Freddie to read notes and encouraged him to play guitar

early career He began in Charleston, South Carolina where he was born, and played with a local band called the Nighthawks. Later he would tour with the renowned Jenkins Orphanage Band. By 1930 he was living and performing in New York (after the death of his parents) for dancers and it was here that his rhythmic talent blossomed.

life in new york & beyond After hearing Green perform one night at a club called The Black Cat, Hammond brought the young guitarist (now 25) to Roseland to audition. In 1936, a man named John Hammond was composing the first tour of a group called Basie that was based out of Kansas City. Although they already had a suitable guitarist (Claude Williams), he was fired and replaced with Green.

He would play alongside such guitarists as Walter Page and Jo Jones on March 26th, 1937. And would perform songs such as “Honeysuckle Rose”, “Pennies From Heaven”, “Swinging At The Daisy Chain”, and “Roseland Shuffle”. The Jazz world would be greatly influenced from their style.

solo career (failed) Unlike many of the people he played with, Green would not leave behind a fantastic nor illustrious solo career. His first recording would be with Buck Clayton, Dicky Wells, and Lucky Thompson. It is still un-issued. His second, titled with his nicknamed “Mr. Rhythm” has been re-released on CD.

Using electric, amplified guitars gave many musicians the opportunity to expand as soloists. Nevertheless, Green would remain acoustic and would never “step into the spotlight as [a soloist].” Because of this, he has become “universally recognized as the as the premier backup guitarist”. “While aficionados will forever debate the various merits of most other players, there is only one Mr. Rhythm”.

What style did he play? Freddie Green played big band jazz He was a rhythm guitarist His approach to playing was: "I don't try to play those big 'concert' chords. I play just a couple of notes, sometimes just one, but it sets the sound of the chord. When you try to play those big chords, it can make the whole band drag."

Guitars he used Freddie Green used a sunburst Epiphone Emperor guitar in the 1930s In the 1940s and 50s he played the Stromberg Master 400 guitar with sunburst He is partial to sunburst guitars

The Style He Created He created a style of rhythm guitar that had personality, which was new at that time. He only uses a few strings when playing chords, giving it a swing sound. in the words of Jim Ferguson, he "invested rhythm guitar with such strength of personality as to elevate it to the level almost of solo work."

Examples of Freddie Green http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcjOC_TljC8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVwB7_CS6rk

Freddie’s Death When: March 1, 1987 Where: Las Vegas. Nevada How: He had a heart attack after a playing show He is buried in Long Island, New York

Influence Freddie Green influenced Allan Reuss, George Van Eps, Allen Hanlon and Al Hendrickson. He also influenced all jazz fans and jazz guitarists because he kept the jazz style alive.

Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3a1-ay2tnE