In 2000 and thereafter in 2004 I was living in Los Angeles and had the opportunity to know and spend some time with Ted Greene, a wonderful human being and a terrific musician. I must say that Ted had an impact on my life, in a soft and sweet way, like the sweet guy he was. Nonetheless the few words we exchanged in a couple of occasions were crucial to me. Like Buffett he inspired me in the “management of your life” much more than he did in other fields too. In a way he was the first one to show me that it is possible to find our own path in life. That it had to be possible to be happy. You have to look for what you like, and gives you a sense of accomplishment. You must find by yourself the job and the everyday routine that really makes you happy.
Not everyone can be or must be a guitar genius like Ted was. A master in the chemistry of chord voicings and changes and harmonization on the guitar. A wonderful ear. Like Warren he was painting his own paint everyday choosing from his infinite canvas all the colors and the chords he loved, without anyone telling him what had to be done that day. Ted had a rich life, attracting with his kind mood to him many friends and many people. He’s remembered as a lovable man, a wonderful teacher, an outstanding example. He was thankful for what he had. Once he said something, I can’t remember precisely, but it was more or less like this: “With all the things that can go wrong in life, it’s amazing to experience how for the most part they simply don’t”. Ted like Warren enjoyed life.