Al Green

Albert Leornes Greene, known professionally as Al Green, was born on April 13, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas. Al Green is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for recording a series of soul hit singles in the early 1970s, including "Take Me to the River," "Tired of Being Alone," "I'm Still in Love with You," "Love and Happiness," and his signature song, "Let's Stay Together."

On March 22, 1971, Al Green released his iconic album 'Let's Stay Together.' The title track became a massive hit and solidified Al Green's reputation as a leading soul artist. The song features an unforgettable opening, a smooth lyrical delivery, and beautifully orchestrated music that became synonymous with the early 1970s sound. It reached the top of the charts and later became a hallmark of his career. 'Let's Stay Together' is frequently cited as one of the greatest songs of all time.

On October 18, 1974, Al Green experienced a life-altering incident when a woman named Mary Woodson assaulted him while he was bathing in his Memphis home. She poured boiling grits on him, causing severe burns, and later committed suicide in his home. This traumatic event led Al Green to reassess his life, steering him towards a path of religious faith and ultimately becoming an ordained pastor. This event marked a significant turning point in both his personal life and professional music career.

In 1976, Al Green became an ordained pastor of the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Memphis, Tennessee. After a series of personal events, including the attack by Mary Woodson, Green turned towards religion. He started focusing on gospel music and preaching, while continuing his career as a soul artist. Green's shift to spiritual leadership marked a new chapter, balancing his roles in the church and in music, and highlighting his enduring influence in both domains.

In June 1980, Al Green released 'The Lord Will Make a Way,' his first gospel album. This marked a significant milestone in his career as he fully embraced gospel music. The album was well-received by critics and fans, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance. 'The Lord Will Make a Way' showcased Green's distinctive voice and spiritual commitment, offering a new direction for his music that combined his soulful style with religious themes.

On November 2, 1982, Al Green was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. This recognition honored his successful transition from soul music to gospel, and his influential impact on the genre. Known for his expressive voice and emotive delivery, Green's gospel works continued to reflect his deep spirituality and musical prowess. The induction was a testament to his widespread influence in both the secular and gospel music worlds.

On January 12, 1995, Al Green received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Soul Train Music Awards. This accolade celebrated his contributions and impact on the music industry as a pioneer of soul and gospel music. Al Green's unique voice and style have inspired countless artists, and he has left an indelible mark on the music landscape. The award highlighted his enduring legacy and recognized his influence across multiple musical genres.

On March 15, 2004, Al Green was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor celebrated his extraordinary achievements in the music industry and his significant influence on the soul and rhythm and blues genres. Known for his soulful voice and emotive performances, Green's induction into the Hall of Fame acknowledged his important contributions and lasting legacy. He was praised for touching the hearts of fans around the world with his profound music.

On February 8, 2009, Al Green won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for his collaboration on the song "Stay with Me (By the Sea)" featuring John Legend. This award was part of the broader recognition of Green's continued relevance and excellence in the music industry even decades after his initial success. Working with contemporary artists, Green demonstrated the enduring appeal of his musical talents.

On September 21, 2018, Al Green released a cover of the song 'Before the Next Teardrop Falls.' This marked his return to the studio, having not released any new music in nearly a decade. The single was produced by Matt Ross-Spang and showcased Al Green's timeless voice, receiving praise from fans and critics alike. The release demonstrated Al Green's enduring ability to connect with audiences through his emotive vocal style and musical interpretation.