Johnny Green – Biography
- Full Name: John Waldo Green
- Born: October 10, 1908, in New York City, USA
- Died: May 15, 1989, in Beverly Hills, California, USA
- Profession: Composer, Conductor, Pianist, Music Director
Career Overview:
Johnny Green was an acclaimed Hollywood music director, composer, and arranger, best known for his work in film scores and popular standards. He composed and arranged music for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and won multiple Academy Awards for his contributions to film music.
Notable Works & Achievements:
- Wrote the classic “Body and Soul” (1930), one of the greatest jazz standards.
- Worked as a musical director at MGM Studios (1949–1959).
- Conducted and arranged music for films such as:
- “Easter Parade” (1948)
- “An American in Paris” (1951) – Oscar Winner
- “West Side Story” (1961) – Oscar Winner
- “Oliver!” (1968) – Oscar Winner
Academy Awards:
Johnny Green won five Academy Awards for his contributions to Hollywood film music. His work in arranging and conducting West Side Story (1961) is especially iconic.
Johnny Green – Personal Life
- Marriage: Johnny Green was married to Betty Furness, a well-known actress and television personality. Their marriage lasted from 1937 to 1943.
- Children: He had a daughter, Beverly Green, who became a singer and actress.
- Education: He attended Harvard University, where he studied music and graduated in 1928.
- Interests & Personality: Green was known for his passion for both classical and jazz music. He had a charismatic personality and was deeply involved in the film industry’s golden age.
- Later Years: After retiring from active film scoring, he remained involved in music as a guest conductor for symphony orchestras and continued mentoring young musicians.
