Lil Green facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lil Green
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lillian Green or Lillie May Johnson |
| Born | December 22, 1919 Mississippi, United States |
| Died | April 14, 1954 Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Labels | Bluebird Atlantic (1951–54) |
| Associated acts | Big Bill Broonzy |
Lil Green (born December 22, 1919 – died April 14, 1954) was an American blues singer and songwriter. She was one of the top female rhythm and blues singers in the 1940s. People loved her smooth and expressive voice. Even famous gospel singer R.H. Harris praised her singing.
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Lil Green's Life and Music
Lil Green was born in Mississippi. Her birth name was either Lillian Green or Lillie May Johnson. After her parents passed away early, she started performing as a teenager. Like many African-American singers, she first practiced her skills singing gospel music in church.
Starting Her Career
Lil Green sang in small clubs called jukes in Mississippi. In 1929, she moved to Chicago, Illinois. All of her recordings were made there. She was known for her excellent timing and unique voice. She was reportedly 18 years old when she made her first recordings for Bluebird Records. This was a part of RCA.
Big Hits and Performances
In the 1930s, Lil Green performed in nightclubs with Big Bill Broonzy. She had two very big hits. One was her own song, "Romance in the Dark," from 1940. Many artists, like Dinah Washington and Nina Simone, later sang this song. Her other big hit was her 1941 version of "Why Don't You Do Right?" This song was originally by Kansas Joe McCoy. Peggy Lee also famously covered this song in 1942.
Lil Green performed in Chicago nightclubs. She also toured with bands like Tiny Bradshaw's. However, she mostly performed on the black theater circuit.
Later Years and Legacy
By 1949, Lil Green began to change her musical style. She wanted to become a jazz singer. She tried to sing in a way similar to Billie Holiday. In 1951, she signed with Atlantic Records. Sadly, her health was already poor at this time. She passed away from pneumonia in Chicago in 1954. She is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary, Indiana.
See Also
- List of blues musicians
- List of classic female blues singers
