The New Orleans music community is mourning the loss of one of the city’s most talented and kindhearted sons. Perrin “Lenny” Green, a fun-loving American soul singer, songwriter and music producer, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2023, due to complications from cryptococcal meningitis. The Maple Leaf Bar will host a Celebration of Life and Funk Fest in Green’s honor on Wednesday, December 6 starting at 6 p.m. The free concert will include performances by Soul Brass Band, Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet, Gov’t Majik, Sweet Funk with special guest Renard Poche, and Smokin’ on Some Brass.
Born and raised in the Pension Town Carrollton neighborhood of New Orleans, Green’s artistic gifts were first discovered at the early age of five while a kindergartner at Mater Dolorosa School. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, Green was displaced and enrolled as a student at Texas Southern University. While on campus, he was commissioned to paint a mural in the TSU Fine Arts Building. The piece entitled, “Katrina Jazz,” was evidence of both his artistic skills and deep love for the culture of New Orleans. Green couldn’t be kept away from his beloved New Orleans, returning to the Crescent City and completing his Bachelor of Arts in Art Education at Xavier University.
Music was Green’s greatest passion and he was a true culture bearer of New Orleans. His velvety smooth voice and old-school R&B style established him early in his career as a dynamic and energetic singer within the New Orleans music scene. He performed with a host of musicians, including New Orleans legends Irma Thomas and Deacon John, Renard Poché of The Allen Touissant Band, Corey Henry and The Treme Funktet, Michael Ray of Kool and the Gang, Erica Falls, Living Colour, John “Papa” Gros, Roland Guerin, as well as the venerable Ike Stubblefield.
Green’s longtime mentor and friend, Renard Poché, reflected on Green’s legacy: “Lenny was one of the most talented and versatile singers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He had a warm, full-bodied voice and a style all of his own. He possessed the rare ability of being able to get into the character of whatever he sang—be it the sweetest ballad, to roaring rock, R&B, or reggae—you name it. He would deliver, be believable and never lose his own identity.”
Poché added, “Lenny was also an accomplished songwriter and could play percussion, keyboards and guitar. Most importantly, he was a great human being. He was always kind, thoughtful, generous, selfless and warm to everyone. Perrin Lenny Green was one of the best people I’ve ever known.”
Green graced many a festival stage and always brought the funk. His groove and smile were infectious. He performed yearly at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival and Jazz in the Park, with residencies throughout his career at famed live music venues Tipitina’s, the Maple Leaf, Vaughan’s Lounge, and d.b.a. His solo debut LP, All or Nothing, was released in 2019, followed by three singles penned during the pandemic.
In addition to being an irreplaceable part of the Smokin’ on Some Brass family, Green was a founding member of the funky rock band Percy J. His newest project, Sweet Funk, harkened back to the super sounds of the 70’s through a collective of New Orleans’ musicians united in funk. Green was well-respected in the audio/visual (AV) field as well, working as a freelance tech and audio engineer in the industry for nearly 25 years. He traveled the country working large events for Freeman Event Technology and Creative Technology, serving as show coordinator and specializing in exhibits. Friend and colleague, Immanuel “MannyLee” Godley, spoke of Green as a giant in AV, “his professionalism and customer service record was impeccable. To some, he was known as ‘Superman’ in the AV World. Perrin was one-of a-kind, a man of pride in his delivery of any performance. He was always a man on a mission. Even as a singer/songwriter he was driven on another level. He just knew what he was going to do with any situation.”
The Maple Leaf Bar was an obvious choice for Wednesday’s Celebration of Life and Funk Fest. Doug Trager, talent Booker for the Maple Leaf, spoke of Green’s connection to the legendary music venue that was located just a few blocks from Green’s home on Leonidas, “Lenny loved the Maple Leaf and was loved by everyone there. He was a neighborhood guy and when he had the opportunity to play at the Leaf, people were like, wow I didn’t even know he was in a band. He will be missed on Oak Street. He was taken from us way too soon.”
Musicians are encouraged to bring their horns to the celebration. A second line down Oak Street is planned between band sets at 9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Please join us as we celebrate Perrin “Lenny” Green’s tremendous legacy.
Rest in Power. May your memory be a blessing.
