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Al Green

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Al Green is an American soul singer, songwriter and preacher, born in 1946 in Forrest City, Arkansas. He began singing with his sister as a child. The family moved to Grand Rapids in Michigan. At secondary school he started a vocal group, which had the hit Back Up Train in 1966. The producer Willie Mitchell heard him and brought him to Hi Records in Memphis in 1969.

Music and breakthrough

With Mitchell and the Hi Rhythm Section Green had his greatest successes. Let's Stay Together from 1972 was his best-known song and topped the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B chart. In the same period came I'm Still in Love With You in 1972, Call Me in 1973 and Livin' for You in 1973. Love and Happiness and Take Me to the River were also radio hits. The latter was later covered by Talking Heads. In 1979 he fell off the stage in Cincinnati, which he took as a sign from God. He became a preacher and recorded gospel albums in the 1980s, such as The Lord Will Make a Way in 1980.

Influence

His voice moves between soft whispering and sharp flights, and the band around him plays in a restrained, warm way. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and won eleven Grammys. He is known as one of the great voices of Memphis soul.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Let's Stay Together and notice how softly he sings and how the band stays quietly beneath the voice.

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: ArtistsSoul