Mellencamp lyricist dies, is remembered

His lyrics are some of John Mellencamp’s most recognizable and helped bring him great fame and notoriety.
He was the  man behind the words of “Hurts So Good,” “Human Wheels,” “Minutes to Memories” and “Crumblin’ Down.”
Long-time songwriter for John Mellencamp, George M. Green, died at the age of 59.  
Like Mellencamp, Green was an Indiana native and lived in Bloomington for some time.
The two had a partnership that lasted for most of Green’s career.
Green would write lyrics and Mellencamp would augment and edit them to fit what he liked, Mike Wanchic, who has been band leader for Mellencamp since 1978, said.
Wanchic compared Mellencamp and Green’s work ethic and creativity to that of Elton John and Bernie Taupin — forming lyrics and music that led to a number of hits.
“One of my most favorite songs is ‘Minutes to Memories,’” Wanchic said.
Wanchic added that Green’s work ethic and great mind went beyond writing for just Mellencamp.
Green also wrote lyrics for other notable artists such as Hall & Oates, Barbara Streisand and even some British groups.
Glenn Gass, professor of music at the Jacobs School of Music, reminisced about a visit that Green paid to one of his classes.
“He came to one of my classes years ago in the ,80s when he was writing all of those hits for Mellencamp,” Gass said. “He was shy, sweet, humble, content to be behind the scenes, happy to contribute and get none of the limelight.”
Gass said he believed that not only was Green a commendable lyricist, but also that Mellencamp would agree that Green’s efforts made him a better writer as well.
After moving from Bloomington, Green landed in Taos, N.M. It was there that his health deteriorated and he started to lose touch with those he used to know, Wanchic said.
Despite his death, however, Green’s memory lives on in the chords of each hit Mellencamp’s band plays.
“He was considered a good friend, a part of the family,” Wanchic said. “He was one of the best lyricists I knew, and clearly America concurred.”