Al Green

When it comes to soul music, one of the most iconic names in the genre is none other than Al Green. The man who is known as "the Last of the Great Soul Singers" has sold over 20 million albums throughout his career and has left an indelible mark on the music industry. From his silky smooth voice to his gospel-rooted ecstatic cries and moans, Al Green has become a true legend in the world of music.

About Al Green

Al Green was born to a sharecropping, gospel singing family near Forrest City, Alabama. Like many African Americans during the Great Migration of the 1950s, Green's family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan in search of better opportunities. It was here that Green would begin his journey into the world of music.

Green's unique voice and sound were molded with the help of contemporary Willie Mitchell. The two worked together to create a new sound that stood out against the existing faster-tempo Motown sound. Green's improvisational style, gospel roots, and ecstatic cries and moans truly set him apart and helped him to achieve widespread success.

Some of Green's most popular songs include "Tired of Being Alone" and "Love and Happiness," both of which are celebrated for their soulful love narratives. In addition to Willie Mitchell, Green was associated with Mahalia Jackson and the Quiet Elegance act managed by The Temptations.

Green's journey into music was a unique one, as he went from singing in the church to being a popular soul singer, before returning to singing worship music only in church. In the late 1970s, he even became a preacher at a Baptist church.

Despite his immense success, Green's life has not been without tragedy. In 1974, his married girlfriend Mary Woodson White attacked him with boiling grits before turning a gun on herself, leading to Green's physical and emotional scars. Nevertheless, Green has been celebrated throughout his career, with eight Grammy wins and a position on Rolling Stone’s list of 100 Greatest Artists at number 66. He also received the 2009 BET Lifetime Achievement Award and won the 2009 Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group alongside John Legend.

Green's last studio album, "Lay It Down," was released in 2008 and featured production from the likes of ?uestlove and James Poyser. The album received critical acclaim and helped to solidify Green's status as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.

In the end, Al Green's legacy in the music industry is undeniable. His unique voice, style, and sound helped him to stand out in a crowded field and cement his place in history as one of the greats.