Lil Greenwood facts for kids
Lil Greenwood (born Lillian Belle George, November 18, 1923 – July 19, 2011) was an American singer. She was known for her amazing jazz and R&B music. R&B stands for Rhythm and Blues. Lil Greenwood was also a talented songwriter.
Early Life and Start in Music
Lil Greenwood was born in Prichard, Alabama. Her father was a Baptist minister. She attended Alabama State College.
In 1948, she moved to San Francisco. She began singing at a club called the Purple Onion. From 1950 to 1953, she sang with Roy Milton and his band, the Solid Senders. She also recorded her own songs. These were for record companies like Modern and Federal.
Singing with Duke Ellington
In 1956, a very famous musician named Duke Ellington asked her to join his orchestra. She sang as a solo artist with his band. Lil Greenwood recorded many songs and toured widely with Ellington. She performed with them for six years.
Later Career and Legacy
After leaving Duke Ellington's orchestra, she continued to record songs. She released singles for several smaller record labels. In the 1970s, she appeared on popular TV shows. These included Good Times and The Jeffersons.
In 2007, Lil Greenwood recorded a CD. It was called “Back to My Roots.” She made this album with David Amram.
She had a stroke in 2010. This meant she could no longer perform. Lil Greenwood passed away on July 19, 2011. She died in her hometown of Prichard, Alabama. She was buried in the Catholic Cemetery of Mobile, Alabama.
