What REALLY Happened to Vivian Green? The Truth Behind Her Emotional Rollercoaster Career

Vivian Green’s voice once dominated the airwaves, making her a rising star in the R&B world. With hits like Emotional Rollercoaster and Gotta Go Gotta Leave, she quickly became a fan favorite.

But despite her undeniable talent, Vivian Green seemed to disappear from mainstream music. Was it industry politics? Personal struggles? Or did she choose to step away? This deep dive into her journey reveals the highs and lows that shaped her career.

Early Life & Passion for Music

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Vivian Green grew up in a household where music was a constant presence. Her mother was a singer, and her father, an engineer, played the trumpet. Surrounded by the sounds of Motown legends, she fell in love with music at an early age.

By the time she was five, she was already singing, and at eight, she learned to play the piano. Songwriting became her passion, and by 11, she was writing her own songs. Determined to pursue a career in music, she joined a girl group called Unique at 13. Though the group didn’t last, Vivian remained focused, honing her craft and preparing for her big break.

Her talent caught the attention of Michael McCary of Boyz II Men, who became her manager while she was still in high school. With his guidance, she performed at industry parties, wowing record executives with her soulful voice. However, her father wasn’t keen on her signing a deal so young, fearing the challenges of the music industry.

Instead, Vivian focused on songwriting, co-writing Dear God for Boyz II Men and working on demos for Britney Spears. She continued performing at jazz clubs in Philadelphia, further refining her sound.

Breakthrough & Success with ‘Emotional Rollercoaster’

At 16, she signed her first record deal with Columbia Records. However, just a year later, her album was shelved, leaving her career at a standstill. Disappointed but determined, she started from scratch, performing with bands and singing backup for Jill Scott.

Her persistence paid off when Columbia finally gave her another chance. In 2002, she released her debut album, A Love Story, which featured the breakout hit Emotional Rollercoaster. The song became an instant classic, climbing the R&B charts and earning her critical acclaim. The album went gold, cementing her place in the industry.

However, Vivian later revealed that many of the songs on A Love Story were written when she was just a teenager. Much of the album reflected her heartbreak over a toxic first love, which she later admitted she wouldn’t have tolerated as an adult.

Personal Struggles & Industry Breaks

Just as her career was taking off, Vivian’s life took an unexpected turn—she found out she was pregnant. The father of her child was Philadelphia musician Eric Tribbett, who had played the drums in her Emotional Rollercoaster music video. They got engaged but split up before their son was born.

Her pregnancy was not without complications. Doctors warned her that her baby had a rare condition affecting his bones and suggested terminating the pregnancy. But Vivian refused, saying she had already felt him moving.

Her son, Jordan, was born in 2004, weighing only 3 pounds. He had a cyst on his brain, a dent in his skull, and underdeveloped bones. Doctors only gave him seven days to live, but Jordan defied the odds.

During this time, Vivian fell into depression. She later admitted that she had thoughts of ending her life, overwhelmed by her child’s condition and her crumbling relationship.

Her son’s father was absent, and she struggled as a single mother, juggling her career with Jordan’s medical needs. Despite these challenges, she pressed forward, releasing her second album, Vivian, in 2005. The album’s lead single, Gotta Go Gotta Leave, became another hit, resonating with fans who related to her experiences of heartbreak and moving on.

Reinvention & Independent Music Career

Vivian took a break to focus on raising her son, who continued to face medical challenges. She later signed with E1 Music and released her third album, Beautiful, in 2010. This album marked a shift—she was no longer singing about heartbreak but instead focusing on self-love and positivity.

In 2012, she released The Green Room, but it struggled to chart. By this point, the music industry had changed drastically, with social media and streaming taking over.

In 2015, she signed with rapper and producer Kwame’s independent label, Make Noise Records. This led to the release of Vivid, which saw her experimenting with new sounds while staying true to her soulful roots.

Vivian later admitted that she felt relieved to be independent. Without the pressure of a major label, she could create music on her own terms. She embraced social media to connect with her fans directly, something she initially struggled with.

Motherhood & Advocacy

As her son grew older, Vivian prioritized being a full-time mother. She became an advocate for parents of special needs children, sharing Jordan’s journey and inspiring others facing similar challenges.

She continued making music, releasing VGVI in 2017 and Love Absolute in 2020. Though neither album made the charts, Vivian was content. She no longer felt the need to chase mainstream success. Instead, she found joy in making music for her loyal fans.

Looking back, she admitted that A Love Story is her least favorite album because she had little creative control. She now values the freedom of making music without industry interference.

Where is Vivian Green Now?

Today, Vivian describes herself as a full-time mom and a part-time singer-songwriter. She still performs occasionally, though music is no longer her top priority. She told You Know I Got Soul that she feels lucky to have sustained a career in music without ever having to do anything else.

Her story is one of resilience. Despite setbacks, heartbreak, and industry challenges, she continues to thrive on her own terms. She remains an inspiration to many, proving that success isn’t always about chart numbers—it’s about staying true to yourself.

Are you surprised by what happened to Vivian Green? Do you think she deserved a bigger career? Let us know in the comments!