Charles Grean

b. 1 October 1913, New York City, New York, USA, d. 20 December 2003, New York City, New York, USA. As a child Grean played violin and then went to study bass at Wesleyan College in Connecticut. His first musical engagement came as a member of the Catskill Mountains. By the mid-30s he was regularly appearing on cruise ship revues, including spells with the Marine Synchopaters and the Caribbean Collegiates. Afterwards he moved to Nashville, and became a member of legendary A&R executive Steve Sholes’ team at RCA - Victor Records from 1947 onwards, assessing songs for Sholes’ consideration and helping produce the final masters. As well as playing bass on a number of sessions, Grean also helped fledgling artists with arrangements. Among the many artists who benefited from his wisdom in the late 40s and 50s were Texas Jim Robertson, Wilf Carter, Sons Of The Pioneers and many others. He also co-wrote a number of successful songs, particularly for Eddy Arnold - ‘Something Old, Something New’ (1951), ‘Eddy’s Song’ (1953). He also penned an answer song to Jim Reeves’ enduring romantic country hit ‘He’ll Have To Go’, entitled ‘He’ll Have To Stay’ (recorded by Jeanne Black in 1960). However, his biggest hit came outside the country field with the novelty song ‘The Thing’, which Phil Harris took to the top of the charts in 1950. He also recorded albums with Star Trek’s Dr Spock, Leonard Nimoy, and recorded theme music for the horror show Dark Shadows. After leaving Victor in 1952, Grean joined with Joe Csida to form Csida-Grean Associations, managing acts including Betty Johnson and Bobby Darin. However, he continued to collaborate with both Sholes and Eddy Arnold. He eventually married Betty Johnson (also of gospel act the Johnson Family) in the late 50s and ended his relationship with Csida-Grean. Afterwards his influence waned, although he continued to work sporadically in country music, with employment on the Jimmy Dean Show in the 50s and as touring conductor to Eddy Arnold in the 80s.
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