Monday, November 10, 2008

The Great Al Green

Al Green is soul singer who's musical roots began in the South. Born in Forrest City, Arkansas, he and his brothers formed a gospel quartet named The Greene Brothers. They toured the southern circuit until the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Al's father kicked him out of the group because he was caught listening to Jakie Wilson.
After being removed from the group Al formed a group named Al Green and the Creations at age 16. The group had little success. Al went on to sign a record deal with Hi Records in 1969 releasing his first hit single "Tired of Being Alone" in 1970. He released the album Let's Stay Together in 1972. This album the first album to have Top 10 chart success. He followed with I'm Still in Love With You a few months later. This album reached number 4 on the pop charts. Songs like "Love and Happiness" and "I'm Still in Love With You" helped to make the album certified gold.
Through the 70's, Green produced and performed many more chart ranking songs and albums. In the late 70's and early 80's he decided to go back to his roots of gospel music. He performed and preached at his church and other churches. He has received many achievement awards for is contribution to Soul, R&B and Gospel music, including being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. He was also inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame in 2004.
Al Green has been a consistent force in the soul music genre. An autobiography named Take Me to the River was released in 2000. He has been making good music for decades. His latest album was released in May of 2008. It is titled Lay It Down. It features production from ?uestlove of The Roots and collaborations with Anthony Hamilton and John Legend. The Reverend Al Green is definitely "one of the Greats" and deserves every standing ovation for his many accomplishments. He deserves many thanks for his inspirational, love filled music.

1 comment:

Leeyax said...

great info, this is my favorite singer, great blog
bye
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