El Green American rhythm and blues performer. Date of Birth: 13.04.1946 Country: USA

Biography of Al Green

Al Green is an American rhythm and blues artist known for his unique style. He was heavily influenced by gospel music, which is reflected in his performances. Green's style includes improvised shouts and moans, reminiscent of James Brown. His talent was noticed by Willie Mitchell, the owner of Hi Records, who signed a contract with Green in 1969 to release several albums.

Green's music is a blend of classic 1960s Southern soul and commercially-oriented 1970s Philadelphia soul. His performances are characterized by his distinct vocal style, influenced by gospel music. His rhythm and blues shows are filled with improvised shouts and moans, similar to James Brown. Mitchell created a strong, sensual musical blend specifically for Green's falsetto, combining strings with stylish brass elements. His impeccable recordings from the early 1970s, such as "Let's Stay Together" (which reached number one in the US and won a Grammy Award), "Tired of Being Alone," "Take Me to the River," and the modern "Love and Happiness," stood out among the hits of that era with their pulsating rhythm and erotic female backing vocals.

Green's early work laid the foundation for the renewed sound of rhythm and blues and influenced many artists, from Marvin Gaye and Prince to Annie Lennox and Justin Timberlake (who wrote an article about his idol in a special issue of Rolling Stone magazine). In 1976, Green took religious vows and stopped releasing records on "sinful" topics. The reason for his conversion was the suicide of his girlfriend, who poured boiling water on him in the bathtub before taking her own life. Although Green has been performing traditional gospel music since the mid-1970s, interest in his work continues. Between 1981 and 1989, he won eight Grammy Awards, and in 2002, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1995, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.