Net Worth Ranker
What Is Al Green’s Net Worth?
Al Green, the iconic American gospel and soul singer, boasts a net worth of $25 million. This substantial wealth reflects his successful career spanning decades, marked by numerous hit singles, album sales, and enduring popularity. Known for his distinctive voice and captivating stage presence, Al Green has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Albert Leornes Greene, born on April 13, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas, began his musical journey early in life. Growing up in a family of ten children, with his father, Robert Jr., working as a sharecropper, Al’s early experiences shaped his musical aspirations. The Greene Brothers, a singing group formed by Al and his siblings when he was just 10 years old, marked the beginning of his formal foray into music. In the late 1950s, the family relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, a move that further influenced Al’s musical development.
A pivotal moment occurred during his teenage years when Al was asked to leave his family home due to his interest in soul singer Jackie Wilson. This event led him to live with his girlfriend and exposed him to a different lifestyle. Undeterred, Al continued to pursue his musical dreams, forming the group Al Greene & the Creations while in high school. This group, with the help of Palmer James and Curtis Rodgers, established an independent record label called Hot Line Music Journal. Their 1968 recording, “Back Up Train,” released under the name Al Greene & the Soul Mates, achieved notable success, reaching #46 on the “Cash Box” Top 100 chart. This early achievement laid the foundation for his future career.
A significant encounter during his time with the group was meeting Willie Mitchell, a Memphis record producer. Mitchell recognized Al’s talent and invited him to sing with his band at a 1969 show in Texas. This opportunity led to Al signing with Mitchell’s label, Hi Records, a move that would prove crucial to his career.
Rise to Fame and Musical Success
Before launching his solo career with the 1969 album “Green Is Blues,” Al decided to drop the final “e” from his last name, officially becoming Al Green. “Green Is Blues” achieved considerable success, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, signaling the arrival of a significant new talent in the soul music scene. Although his 1971 follow-up, “Al Green Gets Next to You,” did not reach the same heights, it spawned the hit single “Tired of Being Alone,” which achieved Gold certification and climbed to #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success paved the way for his breakthrough.
Al Green’s first Gold album, “Let’s Stay Together,” released in 1972, marked a turning point in his career. The title track soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his signature song. This album’s success cemented his status as a major star. The same year, he released “I’m Still in Love with You,” another Platinum-certified album. Both the title track and the single “Look What You Done for Me” achieved Gold certification, demonstrating his consistent ability to produce hit records.
In 1973, Al Green continued his string of successes with “Call Me,” which produced three top 10 singles: “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” “You Ought to Be with Me,” and “Call Me (Come Back Home).” The album “Call Me,” along with his next two albums, 1973’s “Livin’ for You” and 1974’s “Al Green Explores Your Mind,” were all certified Gold. Despite the consistent success, Al Green’s sales began to decline, leading him to shift his focus towards gospel music.
Transition to Gospel Music and Later Career
Al Green’s transition to gospel music led him to record six albums on Myrrh Records, a Christian label. His first gospel album, “The Lord Will Make a Way,” released in 1980, earned him two Grammy Awards, marking a significant achievement in his gospel career. He co-starred with Patti LaBelle on Broadway in “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God” in 1982, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The 1984 documentary “Gospel According to Al Green” further highlighted his transition and commitment to gospel music.
Al Green returned to secular music in 1988 with the song “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” recorded with Annie Lennox. The song, featured on the “Scrooged” soundtrack, reached #2 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, marking a successful return to the secular music scene. In 1994, Al collaborated with Lyle Lovett for the duet “Funny How Time Slips Away,” earning a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Collaboration. This collaboration highlighted his ability to work across genres and with diverse artists.
Throughout his later career, Al Green collaborated with several other artists, including Queen Latifah, John Legend, and Ann Nesby. Questlove of The Roots produced his 2008 album, “Lay It Down,” which reached #3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. In 2018, Al Green released the track “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” in conjunction with Amazon Music’s “Produced By” series, demonstrating his continued engagement with contemporary music platforms.
Personal Life and Challenges
In 1974, Al Green experienced a traumatic event when his girlfriend, Mary Woodson, assaulted him at his Memphis home. Upset that Green would not marry her (while she was already married), Woodson threw scalding grits at him, causing second-degree burns. Tragically, Woodson later died by suicide after shooting herself with Al’s gun. This event profoundly impacted Al Green’s life and contributed to his decision to change his direction.
Following this tragedy, Al Green made a life-altering decision and opened the Full Gospel Tabernacle church in Memphis in 1976. He has been preaching and singing at the church ever since, dedicating a significant portion of his life to religious service. On June 15, 1977, Al Green married Shirley Kyles, and they had three daughters together – Alva, Rubi, and Kora – before divorcing in 1983. The marriage was marked by allegations of abuse. Shirley testified that Al assaulted her with a boot when she was five months pregnant, causing a head wound requiring stitches. Besides his children with Shirley, Al Green is also the father of sons Al Jr. and Trevor, and daughter Kala.
In 1974, Linda Wills, a former secretary of Green’s, sued him for $100,000, claiming that the singer assaulted her and pushed her through a glass door during an argument. Additionally, in 1978, Al Green was arrested for assault and battery after allegedly beating a Memphis woman, Lovie Smith, with a tree limb until she lost consciousness. The charges were dismissed the following year because Smith moved and could not be served a subpoena, causing her to miss the court date.
Real Estate Investments
In 2011, Al Green invested in real estate, purchasing a home in Tennessee for $300,000. This investment reflects a portion of his financial portfolio, adding to his overall net worth.
Awards, Honors, and Legacy
Al Green’s contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has received 21 Grammy nominations, winning 11 in the R&B, soul gospel, and pop categories. His songs “Let’s Stay Together” and “Take Me to the River” were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and 2011, respectively. Al Green has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1995), the Gospel Music Hall of Fame (2004), The Songwriters Hall of Fame (2004), and the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame (2009). He was named a BMI Icon at the 2004 BMI Urban Awards and was a Kennedy Center Honors recipient in 2014.
These accolades underscore Al Green’s significant impact on music and his lasting legacy. His net worth of $25 million is a testament to his successful career, marked by hit records, consistent touring, and enduring popularity. Al Green remains one of the most respected and influential figures in soul and gospel music.
