Al Green has been a staple on the R&B, soul, and gospel music scenes for decades. He’s won 11 Grammys, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and made Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. There’s so much to say about Al’s long and illustrious career, but in this Blog, we’re going to focus on some of the sad, dramatic, and tragic events that went on behind the music.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
American singer, songwriter, pastor, and record producer Albert Greene was born on April 13, 1946, in the tiny sharecropping community of Dansby, Arkansas. He began performing around age 10, singing gospel music with his family, including nine siblings. Even after they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Green brothers continued touring on the gospel circuit.
Al Green and the Soul Mates
In 1967, Al released what would be considered his debut album as a member of a group he formed in high school called Al Green and the Creations, which later changed to Al Greene and the Soul Mates. The album cover would feature the correct spelling of his surname just before he decided to drop the final “e.” They experienced some success with the title track, but when no other hits followed, they disbanded.
Rise to Stardom as a Solo Artist
While performing with the Soul Mates, Al would come into contact with a record producer who offered him a solo deal on his label, Hi Records. After a move to Memphis, Tennessee, work would begin immediately to develop Al into one of the premier soul singers of the ’70s. Al released Green Is Blues in 1969, followed by Al Green Gets Next to You two years later. His third album would solidify his place in soul music. Let’s Stay Together, released in 1972, would feature his biggest hit to date—the title track.
Continued Success and Career Struggles
His success continued with the follow-up albums I’m Still in Love with You, Call Me, Living for You, Al Green Explores Your Mind, and Al Green Is Love. By the time he released The Belle Album in 1977, however, his record sales had plummeted. The year before, Al became an ordained minister and acquired the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis, where he continues to preach when not on tour.
Transition to Gospel Music
Throughout the ’80s, Al released nothing but gospel albums. His 1980 album The Lord Will Make a Way would give him his first Grammy, courtesy of the title song, for Best Soul Gospel Performance (Traditional).
Return to Secular Music
Al returned to secular music in 1988, recording Put a Little Love in Your Heart with Annie Lennox. The song, featured on the soundtrack to the movie Scrooged, became his first Top 10 pop hit since 1974. Al continued releasing albums throughout the ’90s and 2000s, with his last to date being Lay It Down in 2008. Nearly a decade later, in September 2018, he released his latest single—his version of the 1975 Freddy Fender song Before the Next Teardrop Falls.
Struggles in His Early Life
Despite his father only wanting his children to listen to and perform gospel music, Al still managed to develop an early interest in artists like Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and especially Jackie Wilson. The latter would actually cause Al to experience quite the hard-knock life for some time.
Family Conflict and Homelessness
As a teen in the ’60s, Al’s devoutly religious father kicked him out of the family home after he caught Al listening to the soul singer’s 1960 hit A Woman, a Lover, a Friend. Al never did move back in with his family and eventually dropped out of high school.

A Relationship with a Tragic End
Later, he met an older woman who also happened to be a prostitute and began living with her in her apartment. Al earned his keep serving as her protector, friend, and lover.
The 1974 Incident and Tragic Outcome
In 1974, Al experienced a shocking personal incident at his Memphis home. He sustained significant injuries after a heated argument. Mary, his girlfriend, was found unresponsive in another room shortly after the event, marking a tragic turn in Al’s life.
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Legal Troubles and Disputes
Shortly after recovering, Al faced a dispute with a family member over financial matters, which attracted public attention. He chose not to discuss the matter publicly and refused to press charges.
Marital Struggles and Legal Issues
Al faced legal disputes with former colleagues and challenges in his marriage that led to separation. His first wife, Shirley Kyles, filed for divorce on the grounds of marital difficulties. Although their relationship included three children, it was never stable. The divorce was finalized in 1983.
A Sister’s Mysterious Disappearance
In September 2013, Al’s sister, Maxine Green, went missing from her assisted living home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Details remain scarce, and as of today, Maxine Green is still considered a missing person.
Al Green Today
Al celebrated his 76th birthday in April 2022. He has kept a low profile since the pandemic began but has hopefully taken the opportunity to spend quality time with his seven children. His personal life remains private, as he has not publicly spoken about relationships.