
Al Green, now known as The Reverend Al Green, had lots of success during my high school days, placing six songs in the Top Ten for a total of 31 weeks. He had even more Top Ten hits on the R&B chart during the period (I counted eleven or twelve),
By far his biggest hit was “Let’s Stay Together,” the title track from his first 1972 album, which spent nine weeks in the Top Ten, peaking at #1 on both the Hot 100 and R&B charts. The song was featured in the 1994 movie Pulp Fiction.
“I’m Still In Love With You” was the title track from his second 1972 album. It reached #3 on the Hot 100 and #1 on the R&B chart.
In 1974, Mary Woodson White, who Al was dating despite her being married, assaulted him by dumping boiling hot grits on him while he was taking a bath, burning his back, stomach, and arms. She then shot herself to death with his .38. Authorities found a note in her purse saying she planned to do it because Al refused to marry her. Al took this as a sign to change his life, and he became pastor of the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Memphis in 1976. He interpreted a fall from a stage in Cincinnati in 1979 as a sign from God to focus his energy on pastoring and gospel music.
Al Green, your Two for Tuesday, March 14, 2017.
He has a great voice. What a turn of events in his life.
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It is a rather radical change in his life, isn’t it? Jay Leno had him on as a guest one night (within the last ten years, because I had had my stroke by then) and he still has a fantastic voice. We may not have heard the last from him.
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My favorite Green album is his Christian release Soul Survivor from @ 1987. Some great songs on that album.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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I’ve never been to Memphis. If I do get there, I’m going to visit his church.
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I had forgotten about “I’m Still In Love With You.” Love his voice. This is so much better to listen to than that crazy hip-hop or rap! Thanks John.
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A lot of great Soul and R&B came out of the Seventies, that’s for certain. I still play his greatest hits album with all his singles from then.
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Nice. My particular fave of his is Love and Happiness 🙂
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I highly recommend his Greatest Hits album. It has all his hits from the Seventies, one right after the other.
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That’s what we have 🙂
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