Soul legend Al Green was born in Forrest City, Ark. in 1946 and began performing at age nine as part of his father's gospel group, the Green Brothers. During the mid/late 1950s the quartet toured the South, but the Green family later moved to Grand Rapids, Mich. and Al Green formed a new R&B group, Al Green and the Creations. The Creations became the Soul Mates, and in 1968 the group scored an R&B Top 5 single with "Back Up Train."
In 1969 Green began a solo career in close collaboration with producer Willie Mitchell, releasing his debut album Green Is Blues the following year. His 1970 follow-up Al Green Gets Next To You went gold thanks to the hit single "Tired of Being Alone," while 1972's Let's Stay Together reached the Top 10 when its title track hit No. 1.
Another 1972 release, I'm Still in Love With You, reached No. 4, while 1973's Call Me contained three Top 10 singles, "Here I Am," "Call Me," and "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)." Al Green was now an R&B superstar, known for his soulful voice, interesting musical arrangements, and energetic live shows.
Tragically, in October 1974 Green's former girlfriend, Mary Woodson, assaulted him in his home, burning him over much of his torso before killing herself. Shocked by this incident, Green found God and became a preacher at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Memphis, where he still preaches to this day. Though he released three more albums for Hi Records, the label which "discovered him," Green became weary of the music industry and founded his own studio, American Music, in 1977. His next two albums, The Belle Album (1977) and Truth and Time (1978) were self-produced by Green and received good reviews but didn't have the commercial impact of earlier material. Then one day in 1979 Green accidentally fell off the stage while performing in concert and barely avoided serious injury; convinced this turn of events was a message from God to abandon secular music, Green shifted his focus and began recording albums of a Christian nature, mostly gospel standards and religious pop and R&B tunes.
In the mid-'80s Green began to return to the Al Green (born April 13, 1946) is a soul music legend whose rich, emotive voice and timeless songs have shaped the genre and inspired audiences worldwide. Born in Forrest City, Arkansas, Al began performing at the age of nine as part of his father's gospel group, the Green Brothers. His passion for music grew as he transitioned to secular styles, forming the R&B group Al Green and the Creations, later known as the Soul Mates. In 1968, the group achieved success with their Top 5 R&B single Back Up Train, laying the foundation for Al’s solo career.
Al embarked on his solo journey in 1969, collaborating closely with producer Willie Mitchell to craft a distinct Memphis soul sound. His debut album, Green Is Blues (1970), garnered critical acclaim, while his follow-up, Al Green Gets Next to You, went gold thanks to hits like Tired of Being Alone. In 1972, Al cemented his status as a superstar with Let’s Stay Together, whose title track topped the charts and became an enduring classic. Success continued with albums such as I’m Still in Love with You and Call Me, featuring hits that showcased Al's heartfelt vocals, lush arrangements, and unmatched artistry.
While Al’s career flourished, tragedy struck in 1974 when his former girlfriend attacked him before taking her own life. This life-altering event led Al to find solace in faith, becoming a pastor at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Memphis. Though he continued releasing music, his focus shifted towards gospel, with albums like The Belle Album reflecting his spiritual journey. In the late 1970s, Al's performances took a dramatic turn when an accidental fall convinced him to dedicate himself fully to religious music.
The mid-1980s marked Al's return to mainstream music, highlighted by his duet with Annie Lennox on Put a Little Love in Your Heart, produced by Dave Stewart for the Scrooged soundtrack. The song became a global hit, showcasing the chemistry between Al's soulful warmth and Annie's distinctive vocals. The collaboration brought renewed attention to his work and introduced his artistry to a new generation.
Al continued his comeback in 1995 with the release of Your Heart's in Good Hands, a celebrated album that reaffirmed his secular roots. That same year, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential figures in music history. Today, Al Green remains active in ministry, often singing for his congregation at the Full Gospel Tabernacle, blending his musical genius with his spiritual devotion.
