Abel Green

Abel Green was a prominent American journalist and editor, best known for his long tenure as the editor of the iconic entertainment trade newspaper Variety. He served in that role for over four decades, from 1933 until his death in 1973, becoming one of the most influential chroniclers of 20th-century show business. Under his leadership, Variety became the definitive source for news on Broadway, Hollywood, radio, and later television, famed for its distinctive, slang-filled writing style which he helped codify and popularize.

Early life and education

He was born in New York City in 1900, growing up in the vibrant cultural milieu of Manhattan. As a young man, he developed an early fascination with the burgeoning entertainment industries of the city, frequently attending vaudeville shows and Broadway productions. He received his education in the New York City public schools system, where he honed his writing skills. His first foray into professional journalism began in his late teens, contributing to local newspapers before securing a pivotal entry-level position at Sime Silverman's newly established trade paper, Variety, in the early 1920s.

Career at Variety

He joined the staff of Variety in 1921, initially working as a reporter covering the New York City entertainment scene. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his sharp reporting and deep understanding of the business, covering major stories involving film studios, theater producers, and nightclub circuits. Following the death of founder Sime Silverman in 1933, he was appointed editor, a position he held with authoritative command for forty years. During his tenure, he oversaw the paper's expansion to cover the rise of talking pictures, the Golden Age of Radio, the Paramount antitrust case, and the explosive growth of television. He maintained the publication's editorial independence and hard-nosed reporting, famously breaking news on major industry shifts like the advent of television networks and the decline of the Hollywood studio system.

Writing style and influence

He was a master and key architect of the unique, punchy jargon that became synonymous with Variety headlines and prose. This style, often referred to as "Varietyese," was characterized by neologisms, slang, and abbreviations like "boffo" (box office hit), "ankled" (left a job), and "socko" (smash success). This linguistic flair not only defined the publication's voice but also permeated the language of entertainment journalism and the industry itself. His editorial philosophy demanded concise, impactful writing that captured the high-stakes, fast-paced nature of show business, influencing generations of reporters at publications like The Hollywood Reporter and major newspapers. He co-authored the seminal reference book 'Variety Music Cavalcade' which documented popular music trends.

Personal life and death

He was married to Mildred Green, and the couple resided primarily in New York City, the heart of his professional world. He was known as a devoted family man and a relentless workaholic, deeply immersed in the daily operations of his newspaper. A fixture at opening nights on Broadway and major industry events in Hollywood, he cultivated sources among powerful figures like Billy Rose, Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., and Louis B. Mayer. He remained actively editing Variety until his death from a heart attack in New York City on May 10, 1973, marking the end of an era for the publication.

Legacy and honors

His legacy is that of the quintessential entertainment editor who shaped how the business was reported and perceived for much of the 20th century. He was posthumously inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in recognition of his profound impact on Broadway journalism. The Abel Green Park in Los Angeles was named in his honor, and his papers are held in collections at institutions like the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. His distinctive "Varietyese" style continues to be referenced and studied as a unique contribution to American journalism, ensuring his name remains inextricably linked to the chronicle of American popular culture.

Category:American journalists Category:1900 births Category:1973 deaths Category:Variety (magazine) people