Al Green, affectionately known as “The Reverend,” is a renowned soul singer whose influence on the genre is profound and enduring. Born Albert Leornes Greene on April 13, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas, Green found his calling in music at an early age and began his career in the 1960s with a band called Al Green and the Creations, later the Soul Mates. He established himself as a solo artist in the early 1970s, producing a string of hits that defined the era's soul sound. His smooth, emotive voice and heartfelt performances propelled him to international stardom, with songs like "Let's Stay Together," "I'm Still in Love with You," and "Love and Happiness."

Throughout his illustrious career, Al Green has explored different facets of his musicianship, dabbling in R&B, gospel, and even pop music. His journey took a spiritual turn in the late 1970s when he became an ordained pastor, leading to gospel-centric releases that contributed to his extensive musical legacy. Despite these shifts, his roots in soul always remained at the forefront, as seen in albums like "Lay It Down" (2008), which showcased collaborations with contemporary artists reaffirming his relevance and influence. While his later projects, such as "Give Me More Love" and "Before the Next Teardrop Falls," may not have achieved the iconic status of his earlier records, they underline Al Green’s unflagging passion for music and his versatility as an artist. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, illustrating the profound impact he has had on both secular and religious music landscapes.

Genres

Classic Soul

Funk

Memphis Soul

Quiet Storm

Soul

Soul Blues

Southern Soul

Related Artists

Marvin Gaye

Otis Redding

Sam Cooke

Curtis Mayfield

Wilson Pickett

Leon Bridges

Bill Withers

The Temptations

The Isley Brothers

James Brown

Teddy Pendergrass

Donny Hathaway

Latest Release

Everybody Hurts

Al Green

Single - Released November 19, 2024