Black music artists who inspire us | Gospel According to Al Green

There are certain voices that move something inside us. Sometimes It can be joy, anger, sadness, fear, elation - and sometimes it can be that overwhelming feeling of love and a undeniable desire for babymakin’ - the kind of feeling we get from listening to greats like Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, D’Angelo, and the Reverend, Al Green.

In his heyday, Al Green was not only one of the most singular voices in soul music, instantly recognizable, and universally loved, but he was also a fashion icon. In fact, today fans are encouraged to visit the Stax Museum in Memphis, where Al Green’s famous leather stage suit is on full display.

Speaking of Stax Records, Al Green was very much the last true successor of Stax artists like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding - and then somewhere along the way, he went from singing about secular sexy things to singing about the big guy upstairs. In the ‘80s, Al Green decided to go full-on gospel, becoming a member of the ministry and leading his own congregation. Rumour has it, anyone can go to Memphis on a Sunday and participate in his weekly ceremony - where he spreads the message of the gospel, providing a spiritual home for his community.

Gospel According to Al Green looks at his transition from hugely successful soul singer to gospel artist and fundamentalist preacher. Filmed in concert in Washington, D.C., in rehearsal in his recording studio, in a service at his Memphis church, and in an extended interview, Green reveals himself to be an electrifying performer, whether singing love songs to women or spiritual ones to God.

Watch the full show here.

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