Al Green, formerly known as Albert Green (born April 13, 1946 in Forrest City, Arkansas, United States), is an American singer-songwriter and one of the most popular soul music performers of the 1970s. From an early age, he sang gospel music with his family, the Green Brothers. Even after the Green family moved to Michigan, the Green's continued to perform gospel music.
Sadly Al Green was kicked out of the family home for listening to Jackie Wilson's music. In response Green started a band called Creations and later renamed the group to be Al Green and Soul Mates. The band had one hit song called "Back Up Train" the song was so successful they were able to perform Apollo Theater in New York.
An important moment for Green came when he took a trip to Texas in 1968 when he met Willie Mitchell, a former bandleader who served as director and vice president of High Records in Memphis, Tennessee. Mitchell made Green a success before he even knew it. In 1969, he released a cover version of the Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand," which showcased his amazing vocal prowess. Green reached number one on the soul charts in 1971 with his recording of the Temptations "I Can't Get Next To You".
The pair produced Green's other top singles from the 1970s, including his number one hit "Let's Stay Together" and "I'm Still In Love With You" both released in 1972. Green became a star with his ballads, and golden voice. Green was on fire, yet he took an interesting turn in his career in 1973 when he became a Born Again Christian.
Green continued to release hit songs and touring around. However in 1974 Green suffered a traumatic event when his ex girlfriend attacked him in his Memphis home leaving him with third degree burns all over his body. While recovering from the burns Green turned to his faith to guide him through this time.
In 1976, he bought the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis and began holding services there. After becoming a pastor, Green returned to sacred music and self produced his next album The Belle Album. After falling off the stage at a concert in 1979, Green decided to focus on his church and just play inspirational music for most 1980s
In 1986 he started to visit his secular hits. He sang his secular songs along side his gospel songs. He later appeared in the TV show Ally Mcbeal singing duets with Annie Lennox and Lyle Love. In 2003, Green released the album I Can't Stop, which was produced by his former friend Willie Mitchell. Green also worked with producer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson from the Roots, keyboard producer James Poser to find new tracks on the 2008 Lay It Down album and featured a young John Legend.
In 2018, for the first time in almost 10 years, he released a new song, a cover of the song "Before the Next Teardrop Falls". Over the span of his career Green has received numerous awards and was inducted in the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame for his inspirational work in shaping music.
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