Al Green (born Albert Greene 13.04.46)
The Reverend Al Green is an American soul singer, best known for hits like "Tired of Being Alone" and "Let's Stay Together".
Net Worth: In 2013, Celebrity Net Worth claimed that Al Green had a net worth of 8 million USD.
Childhood: Albert Greene was born in Forrest City, Arkansas, to Cora Lee and Robert G. Greene. At the age of ten, Greene began performing with his brothers in a group simply called The Greene Brothers and was raised in an incredibly religious family. He was inspired and influenced by gospel singers and Elvis Presley, who was a particular favourite of Greene's. During High School, Greene created the band Al Greene & The Creations. Two of the groups creators then founded the independent record label Hot Line Music Journal. In 1968, the band changed to Al Greene & The Soul Mates and released their first song, Back Up Train on the new label, which went on to chart on the R&B charts. When none of the following tracks or the debut album of the same name were able to chart, Greene left to work with Willie Michell's band and signed on with his record label.
Career: Willie Michell began tutoring Greene early on, as he believed the singer was trying to sound too much like other artists. Instead, Greene was encouraged to find his own, defining sound and work on it over time. When he believed that he had achieved this, Greene dropped the 'e' from his name, and released the album 'Green Is Blues' in 1969. With the release of 'Al Green Next To You' and the follow-up, 'Let's Stay Together', ensuring that he became known in the R&B music charts. His subsequent album, 'I'm Still In Love With You', went on to become a platinum record. Suffering from low sales towards the end of the 1970s, Green decided to step away from R&B. He also became an ordained minister in 1977, due to a resurgence of faith. After leaving R&B, the Revered Al Green turned his attention to Gospel music. His first gospel album, 'The Lord Will Make You A Way', was released in 1980. Green later reunited with Willie Michell for the 1985 album 'He Is The Light'. In 1995, Green was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame around the time of the release of his album, 'Your Heart's In Good Hands'. In 2002, Green won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award before recording 'Put it on Paper' with Ann Nesby. The following year, he reunited with Willie Michel for the album 'I Can't Stop'. The two released a follow-up - 'Everything's Okay' in 2005.
Personal Life: On the 18th October, 1974, Mary Woodson White, Green's girlfriend at the time attacked him in his home in Memphis, Tennessee, before killing herself with his gun. The reason for this was that, despite White already being married, she was angry that Green would not marry her. She threw a pan of boiling grits at him while he was having a bath, causing severe burns to Green' back, stomach and arms. In 1977, Green married Shirley Kyles and the couple had three children. In 1983, the couple separated after Green allegedly submitted her to domestic abuse.
Biography by Contactmusic.com
