The American singer, songwriter, pastor, and record producer Albert Leornes Greene, better known by his stage name Al Green, was born on April 13, 1946. He is best known for having recorded a string of soul hit singles in the early 1970s, including “Take Me to the River,” “Tired of Being Alone,” “I’m Still in Love with You,” “Love and Happiness,” and his anthem, “Let’s Stay Together.”

Green became an ordained pastor and started making gospel music after an incident in which his lover committed suicide. Later, he made a comeback to popular music.

Al Green parents: Meet Robert Greene, Cora Greene

On April 13, 1946, Albert Leornes Greene was born in Forrest City, Arkansas. Al Greene started performing with his sister in a trio named the Greene Brothers at the age of 10.

Al was the sixth of ten children born to Cora Lee and sharecropper Robert G. Greene, Jr. In the late 1950s, the Greene family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

When Al was in his teens, his fervently religious father discovered him listening to Jackie Wilson and ordered him out of the house. Then he started hustling, living with a prostitute, and doing narcotics recreationally.