Kelly Green Biography
Steinway Artist Kelly Green is a pianist, vocalist, composer, and storyteller whose performances transform emotional experiences into whimsical, immersive jazz worlds. Known for her rare ability to accompany herself with both the precision of a master pianist and the warmth of a gifted vocalist, she leads her [trio/quartet/ensemble] through intricately crafted ballads, high-energy swing, and bold instrumental compositions. Her sets blend original works with reimagined pieces by Mulgrew Miller, Duke Ellington, Blossom Dearie, and more, bridging eras with a distinctive touch.
Critics have called her “one of the most gifted vocalists working today” (Paris-Move) and “one of the most quietly revolutionary vocalists of her generation” (Thierry De Clemensat). Jazz legend Christian McBride describes her as “one of the most talented and spirited people I know.” Her fifth album, Corner of My Dreams (August 2025), is a surrealist, storybook journey through love, grief, and imagination.
With Corner of My Dreams Green received two Global Music Awards for Best Jazz Album and Emerging Artist.
Born in Florida to professional bassist and audio engineer Jeff Green, Kelly discovered jazz at age eleven and began attending the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshop each summer alongside her father. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida before completing her master’s degree at William Paterson University, where she studied with Bunky Green, Lynne Arriale, Harold Mabern, and Mulgrew Miller.
Green has performed and recorded with jazz luminaries including Rich Perry, Steve Wilson, Scott Robinson, Christian McBride, George Coleman, and Billy Hart. She has sold out Dizzy’s Club, Birdland Theater, and Timucua Arts Center, and appeared on stages from The Kennedy Center and Blue Note to the DC Jazz Festival and the Bahrain International Jazz Festival. Her international touring has included performances in Slovenia, Czechia, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, and Greece, alongside extensive appearances across the U.S. In 2025, she and her band were awarded the South Arts/Jazz Roads Touring Grant, funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation with additional support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
In addition to her performance career, Green is a respected educator. She has served as a teaching artist for Jazz House Kids for over a decade, led masterclasses at York College, Jacksonville University, William Paterson University, and Western Michigan University, and co-founded Green Soul Studios in Forest Hills, Queens — a living room concert series and recording space that has hosted world-class musicians including Rich Perry, Scott Robinson, and Steve Wilson.
Whether on a festival stage, in an intimate club, or leading a workshop, Kelly Green performs with the same invitation: let me tell you a secret.