Herbert Greene (musician)

He had an excellent technique and ability to exploit the full capabilities of his instrument, particularly the double keyboards with his use of counterpoint, rich harmonies, tricky embellishments and improvisation.

His musical talents emerged at a young age and his dedication, hard work and love of the concertina made him an accomplished player by his teenage years, during which he would often play at social events and local pubs.

He grew up in hard times and experienced family difficulties, eventually marrying Bertha Maude Skelton in 1930 whom he also taught to play the concertina, so that she could become his musical partner under the stage name of Marion Vane in a popular and successful double act.

They appeared in shows with many well known performers of the day including; Joyce Grenfell, Ivor Novello, Norman Wisdom, Bransby Williams, Kate Carney and Bea Lillie.

Towards the end of his life he became disappointed by the decline in popularity of the concertina in the UK and disillusioned with the direction in which the entertainment industry was heading, feeling that true musical skill and talent were not respected or appreciated as they should be.