CeeLo Green

CeeLo Green
Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	CeeLo Green
Birth name	Thomas DeCarlo Callaway
Birth date	30 May 1975
Birth place	Atlanta, Georgia
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, record producer, rapper, actor
Years active	1991–present

CeeLo Green is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actor known for his work in soul, R&B, hip hop, and pop. He gained prominence as a member of the hip hop group Goodie Mob and later as part of the duo Gnarls Barkley before achieving solo success with hits that crossed into mainstream pop music and adult contemporary music. Green has also worked in film, television, and theatre, and has been a judge and coach on competition shows.

Early life and education

Born Thomas DeCarlo Callaway in Atlanta, Georgia, Green was raised in the East Point, Georgia area and attended Tri-Cities High School, a magnet school known for alumni such as Usher, Kandi Burruss, Bobby Brown, and Megan Thee Stallion. His early exposure to gospel music came through family and church choirs in the Bible Belt region. During his youth he became involved with the Southern hip hop scene, later forming ties with members of Dungeon Family, including Outkast and Goodie Mob.

Career

Green's career began in the early 1990s with Goodie Mob, whose debut album Soul Food was released on LaFace Records and contributed to the rise of Southern hip hop alongside Outkast's ATLiens. He later pursued a solo career with albums on labels such as Arista Records and Elektra Records, and formed the soul-pop duo Gnarls Barkley with producer Danger Mouse; their single "Crazy" topped charts including the UK Singles Chart and earned accolades from organizations like the Grammy Awards. Solo singles such as "Fuck You" (commercially released as "Forget You") reached the Billboard Hot 100 and were performed on stages such as Saturday Night Live and at award shows. Green has collaborated with artists across genres, including Diddy, Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre, Beyoncé, Eminem, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Bruno Mars. He has headlined tours, appeared at festivals such as Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Glastonbury Festival, and released multiple studio albums while also producing for other acts.

Musical style and influences

Green's music blends elements of soul music, R&B, funk, hip hop, and psychedelic pop, drawing on influences from artists and institutions such as James Brown, Prince, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and the Motown catalog. Production partnerships with figures like Danger Mouse and contemporaries such as Questlove and Mark Ronson shaped his sound, combining vintage arrangements with modern sampling techniques popularized by producers like J Dilla and The Neptunes. His vocal delivery ranges from baritone soul singing to rap, reflecting influences from Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Sly and the Family Stone, and Otis Redding while engaging with contemporary hip hop culture and neo soul movements associated with labels like Atlantic Records and collectives such as The Roots.

Acting, television, and other media work

Green has appeared in films and television series, taking roles in productions tied to studios and creators like Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, and HBO. He voiced characters in animated projects and appeared in films alongside actors such as Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, and Madonna in various collaborations. On television, Green served as a coach and judge on competition shows including The Voice and was a panelist on The Good Life-style programs and specials. He performed in theatrical settings and made guest appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live, Late Show with David Letterman, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. His media presence extended to endorsements, guest judging, and soundtrack contributions for films like Beavis and Butt-Head Do America and series connected with networks such as NBC and CBS.

Legal issues and controversies

Green's public life has included legal issues and controversies that involved media outlets such as Rolling Stone, TMZ, and The New York Times. He faced allegations that led to investigations by law enforcement agencies including local police departments and scrutiny in court filings within state court systems. These matters affected his relationships with corporate partners, broadcasters like BBC and NBC, and venues associated with festivals and record labels, prompting statements from representatives and legal counsel during proceedings.

Personal life

Green resides in the United States and has family ties in the Atlanta metropolitan area. He has been linked socially and professionally with artists and cultural figures including Andre 3000, Big Boi, TLC, and Monica. His personal beliefs and lifestyle choices have been discussed in interviews with outlets such as Rolling Stone, Vibe, Billboard, and Pitchfork. Green has participated in philanthropic work and benefit concerts alongside charities and organizations like Musicares and has performed at events supporting causes associated with HIV/AIDS awareness and disaster relief.

Awards and recognition

Green's awards include recognition from the Grammy Awards, with wins for projects including work with Gnarls Barkley and solo recordings. He has been nominated for honors from institutions such as the Brit Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and industry groups including the Recording Academy. His songs have charted on the Billboard Hot 100, the UK Singles Chart, and other international charts, and he has received honorary mentions in retrospectives by publications such as NME, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone.

Category:American singers Category:American record producers Category:1975 births Category:Living people