Al Green

Al Green

From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia

Background Information:

• Birth Name: Albert Leornes Greene
• Also Known As: The Reverend Al Green
• Born: April 13, 1946 (Age: 78)
• Birthplace: Forrest City, Arkansas, U.S.
• Genres: Soul, R&B, Gospel, Southern Soul, Progressive Soul
• Occupations: Singer, Songwriter, Pastor, Record Producer
• Instruments: Vocals, Guitar
• Years Active: 1966–Present
• Labels: Hi, Myrrh, The Right Stuff, Fat Possum, A&M, Word, Epic, MCA, Blue Note
• Website: www.al-green.com

Albert Leornes Greene, professionally known as Al Green, is an American singer, songwriter, pastor, and record producer. He gained fame for producing a series of iconic soul hits in the early 1970s, such as “Tired of Being Alone” (1971), “I’m Still in Love with You” (1972), “Love and Happiness” (1973), “Take Me to the River” (1974), and his signature song “Let’s Stay Together” (1972). After the tragic death of his girlfriend, Green became an ordained pastor and shifted his focus to gospel music, although he later returned to secular music.

Green was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, and the museum recognized him as "one of the most gifted purveyors of soul music." He has also been described as "The Last of the Great Soul Singers" and won 11 Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Green has also received the BMI Icon Award and is a Kennedy Center Honors recipient. In 2008, Rolling Stone ranked him among the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” at No. 65 and later placed him No. 10 on its list of the “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” in 2023.

Green is considered a key figure in Memphis soul, collaborating extensively with some of the city's most influential R&B musicians, particularly producer Willie Mitchell and the Hi Rhythm Section, which helped him achieve his greatest commercial success.

Early Life: Al Green was born on April 13, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas, as the sixth of ten children to Cora Lee and Robert G. Greene Jr., a sharecropper. The Greene family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the late 1950s. At around age 10, Green began performing with his sister in a group called the Greene Brothers. He was kicked out of his family home as a teenager after his religious father discovered him listening to Jackie Wilson. He then lived with a prostitute and got involved in hustling and drug use.

Green was heavily influenced by gospel music but also admired artists like Wilson Pickett and Elvis Presley. In high school, he formed a vocal group, Al Greene & the Creations, and later recorded his first hit song, “Back Up Train,” in 1966, under the name Al Greene & the Soul Mates. While performing with the Soul Mates, Green caught the attention of Memphis producer Willie Mitchell, who eventually signed him to his Hi Records label.

Career: Early Success: Green’s career took off in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the release of Green Is Blues (1969), followed by the more successful Al Green Gets Next to You (1971). This album featured the gold-selling single “Tired of Being Alone.” His 1972 album Let’s Stay Together became his commercial breakthrough, with the title track hitting number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. The album was certified gold, as was his 1972 follow-up I’m Still in Love with You, which also went platinum. His next albums, Call Me (1973) and Livin’ for You (1973), continued his string of hits.

Green’s style evolved during this period, producing timeless classics such as “Love and Happiness,” “Take Me to the River,” and “Simply Beautiful.” However, by 1977, Green’s record sales began to decline, partly due to personal issues and his desire to pursue a religious path.

Gospel Music: In the late 1970s, after an accident that Green interpreted as a divine message, he shifted his focus to gospel music and pastoring. Between 1981 and 1989, Green recorded a series of gospel albums. His 1980 album The Lord Will Make a Way earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance. He also appeared in the Broadway play Your Arms Too Short to Box with God (1982).

Return to Secular Music: In the late 1980s, Green returned to secular music, collaborating with Annie Lennox on “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” (1988), which became his first top-10 pop hit since 1974. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Green continued to release music, including the albums Lay It Down (2008) and Everything's OK (2005), which marked a successful return to the top of the charts.

Personal Life: Green’s personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. In 1974, his girlfriend, Mary Woodson, tragically died by suicide after an assault on Green that left him with severe burns. This event deeply affected Green and led to his decision to change his life. He later founded the Full Gospel Tabernacle church in Memphis in 1976.

Green has been married twice and has seven children. His first marriage to Shirley Green ended in divorce in 1983 after allegations of domestic abuse were made public. Green has also faced various legal issues, including assault charges, but his career has remained influential.

Discography: Al Green’s musical catalog includes numerous albums, both secular and gospel, with several being highly influential in the development of soul music. His collaborations with Willie Mitchell and his association with Hi Records continue to define his legacy as one of the most iconic figures in the genre.

Legacy: Al Green is regarded as one of the greatest soul artists of all time, having shaped the sound of soul music and influenced generations of artists. His unique blend of spiritual and secular music, combined with his powerful voice, has earned him a place among the most respected musicians in history.

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