Eugene Delbert Greene (June 9, 1877 – April 5, 1930) was an American vaudeville and ragtime singer.[1] He was one of the first to use scat singing techniques.
Gene Greene | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Eugene Delbert Greene |
| Born | June 9, 1877 |
| Died | April 5, 1930 (aged 52) New York City |
| Genres | Ragtime |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1911–1930 |
Career
Greene was born in Indiana.[1] He worked with his wife, Blanche Werner, as Greene & Werner.[1]
Between 1911 and 1917, he made five recordings of "King of the Bungaloos", which was his most popular song.[1] Nicknamed "The Ragtime King", he employed scat singing techniques on this song.[1][2] His other songs included "The Chinese Blues" and "Alexander's Got a Jazz Band Now".[1] While on a tour of Europe in 1912, Blanche Werner died.[1] Greene continued to perform, making about 64 recordings during 1912–13 before returning to the U.S.[1] He retired to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and ran a restaurant.[1] He tried to sing again in New York City but died of a heart attack backstage.[1]
"King of the Bungaloos" appeared on Pop Music: The Early Years 1890–1950 as part of Sony's Soundtrack for a Century box set.[3]