Al Green: singer Lays it down on music, tells why he wants to marry again

Jet, July 21, 2008 by Clarence Waldron

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Al Green knows something about love. Back in the 70s he sang to the world: "Love'll make you do right, love'll make you do wrong ... love and happiness."

Now more than 30 years later, the self-described "Love and Happiness man" is back on the charts still singing about the power of love on the hit CD Lay It Down. The CD is Green's first-ever Top 20 debut CD of his career and entered the Billboard charts at No. 9.

How did the 62-year-old soul great land on top of the charts in today's fast-moving, youth-oriented music industry?

Green admits that he is a bit surprised by the public's acceptance of the new CD.

"I am shocked. I'm very excited about it. It's a comeback. I have never had a debut so high on the charts before," he laughs, am selling more records. They were all out of Lay It Down at Wal-Mart."

The disc was produced by Green along with hit-making producer-keyboardist James Poyser and The Roots drummer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson and features duets with John Legend (Stay With Me (By The Sea)); Anthony Hamilton (You've Got The Love I Need) and Corinne Bailey Rae (Take Your Time).

Green is proud of the young singers who joined him on the CD and brought him to another audience.

"It's exciting for me to mix my music and my talent with their talent to see what comes out of it."

He says Legend "is tops in his field. He lays down some notes on the album as you can see. He's a great artist who came in to sing with us. And it's just beautiful. I am thankful. And Corinne Bailey Rae is all about 'put your records on, baby.' She's a wonderful person and a soulful singing girl."

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He points out, "Anthony Hamilton is really a nice gentleman-type of person. He sings those love songs and like me, 'make you want to do right, make you want to do wrong,'" he laughs. Hamilton told JET: "Working with Al was amazing. I grew up listening to his work so it was an honor to write and record on his new project with him. There is no better compliment to my work than to write for and sing with Al Green. A dream has been fulfilled."

Green's co-producers on Lay It Down say record buyers are connecting with the vintage sound of the CD and their longtime love for his music.

Poyser, who has produced for Erykah Badu, Queen Latifah and others, told JET: "There's a certain nostalgic value. The CD is very reminiscent of the things he did years ago. The music is cut from the same cloth. Some artists of his stature have done things on the come back trail, trying to be too contemporary. And you don't want to hear them. You want to hear what they did years ago. I just want to hear Al Green doing Al Green. I don't want to hear him on the record rapping."

Thompson sums up the CD's appeal. "It sounds like the Al Green of the '70s. It sounds like it was recorded in 1977. Artists of Al's caliber over the age of 50 should be allowed to do original tunes and put their unique instruments to good use and still appeal to people."

The record's popularity is keeping Green busier than ever. He will make his first appearance with Tom Joyner's Family Reunion gala at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, FL, scheduled for Aug. 28-Sept. 1.

Joyner told JET that Green's recent performance on the BET Awards explains why he is on the charts today-the young generation loves him. "He was the hottest act on the entire show," said Joyner, host of the national radio program "The Tom Joyner Morning Show." "When he came on, it was like the whole building was singing along with every word. It was like he taught the children to sing. He didn't have to come out and turn a flip or anything. All he had to do was sing, just be Al Green. His music has proven to be timeless."

As his record continues to climb the charts, Green reveals a bit of his personal life. He admits that when he sings his 1971 breakout hit Tired of Being Alone, these days, he really means it. The father of six and grandfather of four admits that he wants to get married again.

"I would love to get married again. Because I am the Love and Happiness man, so I should be married," he chuckles. "Love will make you do right,' he says quoting his signature tune. "I want to do right. I hope to get married to that special someone. Everybody needs it."

He's intensely guarded about his personal life, but does divulge that he was once married. "When I tried it before, I was wild, running around, having parties wherever I went. I really didn't give it my best shot."

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Green says he is searching for a wife "who's got your back, who is on your side, appreciates what you are doing and has a love for the same things. Two people who are going in the same direction, that's what I need. I like that somebody who you can trust. You got to have trust in a relationship, that's very important."

He's enjoying growing older. "I feel good. My health is good. I get my checkup every January. The doctor said 'Al you're fantastic. Your blood pressure, your blood count is good. Go out and have some fun.'"