George Hamilton Green
Notes condensed from the Percussive Arts Society biography:
Considered one of history's greatest xylophone players,George Hamilton Green (1893-1970) started playing at age 11, and by 13 was performing solos with his father's band. At 19, he entered vaudeville and in one year was proclaimed "the fastest, most artistic, and most wonderful xylophonist and soloist in this country or abroad." Also a fine teacher, his pedagogical materials are still in use, and his solo xylophone compositions retain enormous popularity. In 1946 he retired from music and became a successful illustrator.