| The David Nathan Pages |
AL GREEN: LOVE, HAPPINESS AND CONVICTIONS April 1975, In person interview conducted by David Nathan at The Essex House in New York City Known as the “Prince Of Soul,” Al Green had built up a strong audience thanks to a string of hit singles and best-selling albums. In 1973, he was involved in a much-publicized incident when a woman he knew poured hot grits on his back while he was bathing. David stayed away from the subject in his first memorable interview with Al when he mentioned that if he hadn’t gone into music, he’d have been a preacher… (c) 2007, David Nathan/SCI Enterprises, All rights reserved |
THE name Al Green conjures up different images for different people. For some, he is the ultimate as a vocalist who expounds a soul
searing and yet at the same time, soft and gentle style. To many, he is the acknowledged “Prince of Soul” – a combination of sexuality
and strength,, potency and power. To others, he is “Love and Happiness” personified - a gentle, sensuous young man whose emotional
boundaries as expressed though his music.
For a good proportion of his career since joining up with Willie Mitchell and Hi Records, Al Green has meant gold all the way, Gold
records, one after another, thunderous acclaim at venues throughout the States and Europe, an instantly recognizable stylist whose
pleading vocals on such tunes as “Let’s Stay Together”, “I’m Still In Love With You”, “Here I Am” and the monster that started it all.
“Tired of Being Along” have brought him close o the hearts of millions as the symbol of a new generation. However, in more recent
times, the gentleman has been the subject of turgid troubles which have, needless to say, brought a veritable mountain of publicity – a
good proportion of which has been adverse. You almost felt like the vultures were waiting to pounce the way musical papers and
journals swooped in when news came of some of the problems that Mr. Green was experiencing last year. It seemed as if no one had too
much interest in his music but all were more concerned with prying into the personal aspects of the young man’s life. Well, we won’t
waste valuable space by repeating all that went down in Memphis last year – anyone who has followed Al Green’s career will be well
aware of all that occurred.
Instead, given the opportunity to speak with Al on a recent lightning trip to New York to play at The Felt Forum, we decided to probe a
little bit at the man behind the man. Without doubt, Al’s performance on stage these days will clearly indicate that there has been a very
strong and important change in the emphasis of his music and his whole life towards a more spiritual approach. “Yes, that would be a
very true observation”, he smiles whilst relaxing in his hotel suite high above New York’s Central Park. “The time has to come for men to
do something constructive – to grow up. I got tired of being just a pop singer selling records, entertaining millions and saying nothing of
importance. I have now established a direction for my music and I know that I have message to get across.”
Even if that “new” attitude doesn’t get over to you on record, if you catch the man onstage, you will be left in no doubt. He has almost
gone back to his former stage presence and a bit more of the ‘preacher’ is in him now. How did audiences react to this change?
“Well, I was very edgy about it when I first started out changing. I remember I tried it at the Club Harlem in Atlantic City and I didn’t know
what to expect. Afterwards, a guy came backstage and said ‘I don’t understand you! One minute you’re telling me to stay with my lady
and for us to love each other. Then, you’re saving that love is greater than both of us. ‘I explained to him that the most important love of
all is a universal one, the love we have for our Creator. It’s like if you were a loaf of bread. You’d be thankful to the baker for even making
you and that’s how we should be with our Maker.”
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| AL GREEN 1975 Interview (AG-75-2007) Conducted by David Nathan, (c) 2007, David Nathan/SCI Enterprises |
