NED GREEN (1947-2018) was born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, known as a soul singer and R&B entertainer whose personality, humor, and heart made him a fixture across Western New York and Southern Ontario. He began singing while shining shoes downtown, engaging tourists and residents alike, and soon moved onto the local club scene, particularly at The Main on Falls Street, where his natural charisma and talent earned him a devout following.

Friend, fellow musician and 2020 inductee, Thomas Nelson fondly remembers Ned being a waiter there and one night was told that Ned would be performing. “The first time I saw Ned perform was mesmerizing. . . When Ned showed up, you knew it was going to be something special, he made everyone feel part of the show”. Inspired by his idol, James Brown, Ned’s performances were highly energetic, interactive, and relentlessly entertaining. He leapt over chairs, dropped into splits across the stage, told jokes, danced with abandon, and encouraged the audience into full participation.

In the 1990s, after moving to Canada, Ned was already known throughout Southern Ontario for his live shows of theatrical flair and showmanship. Joe’s Place in Niagara Falls Ontario hosted The Ned Green Show for many years and it became an entertainment institution. Joe Ruicci recalls “Audience participation was his thing and he did it well; pulling audience members on stage or inciting singalongs making every show interactive.

Ned and his singers often donned vibrant, flashy outfits, sequined jackets, bold colors, tailored suits and stage attire that glowed under lights. In the rich tapestry of Niagara’s live music history, few acts commanded the kind of local legend status as the Ned Green Show.” Generous with his time and talent, Ned often used his own money to buy prizes for dance contests at his shows, turning them into community celebrations. His ever changing ensemble kept the show fresh and electric over decades.

Thomas Nelson also says “that Ned provided an opportunity for so many local musicians to hone their skills in the performance of “Motown Rhythm & Blues” music, his signature saying.” He always had a variety of great musicians backing him who could adapt on the fly with a blend of soul, funk, and R&B with touches of pop, gospel and blues.

Music being his true calling, he brought his soulful style into gospel at Morning Star Church of God in Christ, transforming classic songs with praise-filled spirit and making the congregation dance with joy. At his induction ceremony, his sister Priscilla Green honors him by singing one of his signature songs ‘Stand By Me’, reflecting the bond he felt with his family and fans, standing by him, as he always stood by those he loved.

It is a pleasure and honor to posthumously welcome Ned Green into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.