Al Green

For other people named Al Green, see Al Green (disambiguation).

Al Green
Green in 1996
Green in 1996
Background information
Birth nameAlbert Leornes Greene
Also known asThe Reverend Al Green
Born (1946-04-13) April 13, 1946 (age 78)
Forrest City, Arkansas, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • pastor
  • record producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
DiscographyAl Green discography
Years active1966–present
Labels
Websitewww.al-green.com

Albert Leornes Greene (born April 13, 1946), known professionally as Al Green, is an American singer, songwriter, pastor and record producer. He is best known for recording a series of soul hit singles in the early 1970s, including "Tired of Being Alone" (1971), "I'm Still in Love with You" (1972), "Love and Happiness" (1973), "Take Me to the River" (1974), and his signature song, "Let's Stay Together" (1972).[3] After his girlfriend died by suicide, Green became an ordained pastor and turned to gospel music. He later returned to secular music.[4][5]

Green was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. He was referred to on the museum's site as being "one of the most gifted purveyors of soul music".[3] He has also been referred to as "The Last of the Great Soul Singers".[6] Green is the winner of 11 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also received the BMI Icon award and is a Kennedy Center Honors recipient. He was included in Rolling Stone's 2008 list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time", ranking at No. 65,[7] as well as its 2023 list of the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time", at No. 10.[8]

Green is a canonical Memphis soul artist. He collaborated closely with many of Memphis's most notable R&B musicians; a long and prolific partnership with producer/arranger Willie Mitchell and the Hi Rhythm Section yielded Green's greatest commercial success.

  1. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (n.d.). "Al Green". AllMusic. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  2. ^ Himes, Geoffrey (December 23, 1992). "Recordings". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Al Green". Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference chicagotribune was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference brunner was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Bogdanov, Vladimir (2003). All Music Guide to Soul: The Definitive Guide to R&B and Soul. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 285. ISBN 9780879307448. Retrieved April 18, 2014.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference justin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ "The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time". Rolling Stone. January 1, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.