Biography
Abe Green belongs among the skilled players whose family name evokes the hue of lush turf. Though gospel provided the primary outlet for his talents, family obligations prompted an early exit from music that likely prevented greater recognition in R&B and rock & roll circles. Local ensembles had already welcomed him before the Dixieaires extended an invitation that would claim the bulk of his professional life. By the closing years of the 1940s he had supplied guitar parts for both the Gates and the Jubalaires, and he also performed with a jive ensemble billed as the Rays of Sunshine during that same period.
Unlike his previous outfits, the Dixieaires logged more hours inside studios than at home, prompting some to question whether the volume of sessions, spread across affiliations with six or seven labels, had grown excessive. Court documents filed in spring 1949 list Green alongside Johnny Hines, Julius Caleb Ginyard, Jimmy Moran, and Tom Moran as the official members whose services rival companies were warned against attempting to secure. Activity slowed markedly by year’s end; an earlier surplus of contracts gave way to attrition once manager Charles Newsome declared his departure. Green soon followed, after which, according to Ginyard, the remaining members largely withdrew from professional music altogether. Ginyard himself shifted direction, forming the R&B group the Du Droppers. Green’s most distinguished guitar work appeared on a 1951 Prestige date that featured the track “Bloodstained Banner,” and he can also be heard on the Golden Gate Quartet’s recording of “Dip Your Fingers in the Water.”
Unlike his previous outfits, the Dixieaires logged more hours inside studios than at home, prompting some to question whether the volume of sessions, spread across affiliations with six or seven labels, had grown excessive. Court documents filed in spring 1949 list Green alongside Johnny Hines, Julius Caleb Ginyard, Jimmy Moran, and Tom Moran as the official members whose services rival companies were warned against attempting to secure. Activity slowed markedly by year’s end; an earlier surplus of contracts gave way to attrition once manager Charles Newsome declared his departure. Green soon followed, after which, according to Ginyard, the remaining members largely withdrew from professional music altogether. Ginyard himself shifted direction, forming the R&B group the Du Droppers. Green’s most distinguished guitar work appeared on a 1951 Prestige date that featured the track “Bloodstained Banner,” and he can also be heard on the Golden Gate Quartet’s recording of “Dip Your Fingers in the Water.”
Albums
Live
