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Al Green music biography continued...

and in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Green was singing gospel music regionally in various groups at a very early age. His religious family was vehemently against him singing secular music, and it wasn't until late in high school that he was able to move beyond a pure Gospel repertoire. At that time he and some friends formed a Soul group called Al Greene and the Soul Mates and recorded a single hit, 1967's "Back Up Train." After the Soul Mates failed to repeat their initial success, Green (he dropped the "e") began to seek a solo career and soon met up in Texas with Hi Records executive Willie Mitchell, who signed Green to the small Memphis label. Green broke through on his second album for Memphis, 1970's Al Green Gets Next To You, and its smash hit, "Tired of Being Alone." Over the next three years, Green and Mitchell created a series of classic albums with hit singles like "Let's Stay Together," "I'm Still In Love With You," "Look What You've Done For Me," "Call Me" and "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)." Green's output of this period is still considered some of the finest Southern Soul ever and is revered by critics and fans alike almost four decades later.



At the end of the 70's two life-altering experiences led Green to bow out of the popular music scene, become a minister, and turn to gospel music. The Reverend Al Green's records over the next decade hit the Gospel top 10, with his Soul Survivor album in 1997 topping the Gospel charts and hitting the top 100 on the pop charts on the strength of the Gospel/Soul crossover hit "Everything's Gonna Be Alright." In 2004, Green reunited with Mitchell for I Can't Stop for Blue Note Records, an excellent reunion that recaptured and updated that classic Green/Mitchell sound of the early 70s, especially on the great title cut. Green's career had come full circle. He still continues to tour and to preach, enlightening and entertaining fans old and new.