DENVER — Jim Green, a sound artist whose work became a fixture in public spaces in Denver, died Sept. 11 at the age of 75.
Green’s legacy includes some of Denver's most recognizable public art, including "Laughing Escalator" and "Soundwalk." Yet, his most widely experienced piece is perhaps the one heard by millions of travelers over the past 30 years: the jingles and greetings on the Denver International Airport train between concourses.
"Jim was one of the very first artists to bring technology into public art collections, and the technology he brought was his sound art," said John Grant, a close friend and collaborator of Green's.
In 1994, DIA commissioned Green to create a sound piece for its concourse train system, now known as "Train Call." The playful jingles, which greet passengers as they shuttle between gates, have become a defining feature of the airport.
"To me, that is the real moment that sort of says you're home," DIA spokesperson Michael Konopasek said. "As a traveler, when I'm coming in from a long journey and I hear that jingle, I know I'm back in Denver."
For many, the jingles have become a nostalgic sound.
"The jingle definitely brings back some nostalgia. I grew up hearing it as a kid, and now our daughter's going to have that same experience," one traveler remarked.
Green’s approach to crafting the DIA sound was as unique as the piece itself. Using plumbing pipes and early synthesizers, he created a quirky, upbeat tune that embodied his playful spirit.
"The chimes on the train are absolutely indicative of his personality, of the lightness, of how he didn't take himself too seriously," Grant said.
Beyond the jingles, "Train Call" also incorporates the voices of prominent Denver figures, including sports stars, local celebrities, and the mayor, welcoming passengers to the city. The operational voices on the train—currently Alan Roach and 9NEWS’ Kim Christiansen—have rotated over the years, adding a personal touch to the journey.
At the Colorado Convention Center, Green’s "Laughing Escalator" features recorded laughs that emanate from the cracks between steps, with a different voice heard every few feet. His "Soundwalk" on Curtis Street uses metal grates embedded in the sidewalk to play recordings of subway trains, mooing cows and other curious noises that surprise passersby.
Green was celebrated not only for his art but also for his unique connection with the public. At the RedLine Contemporary Art Center, one of his installations featured a red phone that directly dialed his number.
"He would answer it, no matter what he was doing," Grant said. "Jim took the simple experiences of being in Denver and made them special through his wit, his intelligence, and the way he engaged the public."
