Peter Green, born Peter Allen Greenbaum on October 29, 1946, in Bethnal Green, London, England, was an English blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist whose influence on the British blues movement remains profound. As the founder and original leader of Fleetwood Mac, Green established a legacy that extended far beyond his relatively brief tenure with the band. Renowned for his emotionally expressive tone, string bending, and economical style, he earned praise from peers such as Eric Clapton and B.B. King, the latter of whom remarked that Green had "the sweetest tone I ever heard" and was the only guitarist who gave him "the cold sweats."

Green's musical journey began in the mid-1960s when he joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, a pivotal outfit in the British blues scene. His stint there followed in the footsteps of Eric Clapton, and Green quickly made his mark with his distinctive playing. In 1967, he departed to form Fleetwood Mac, initially a blues-oriented band named after drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie. Under Green's leadership, the group became a popular live act and achieved significant recording success. His songwriting and guitar work produced hits like "Albatross," "Black Magic Woman," "Oh Well," "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)," and "Man of the World," several of which were later covered by other artists, including Santana's rendition of "Black Magic Woman."

Green's time with Fleetwood Mac was marked by creative brilliance but also personal struggles. He departed the band in 1970, and his subsequent career was intermittent due to mental health challenges. Despite these difficulties, his contributions to music continued to be recognized. In June 1996, Mojo magazine voted him the third-best guitarist of all time, and in 2015, Rolling Stone ranked him at number 58 on its list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time." His instrumental "The Supernatural" was also highlighted by Guitar Player in 2004 as having one of the 50 greatest tones of all time.

In his personal life, Green was married to Jane Samuels. He passed away on July 25, 2020, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire guitarists and blues enthusiasts worldwide. His work with Fleetwood Mac and his solo efforts remain a testament to his unique talent and enduring influence on rock and blues music.