Gospel According to Al Green.

Format:

Video

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Africa.

United States and Canada.

Artists.

Musical performances.

Green, Al,.

Local Subjects:

Africa.

United States and Canada.

Artists.

Musical performances.

Green, Al,.

Genre:

Documentary

Physical Description:

1 online resource (96 minutes)

Place of Publication:

Paris, Ile-de-France : Qwest TV, 1994.

Language Note:

In English.

Original language in English.

System Details:

video file

Summary:

Recalling the unbreakable links between soul and gospel is like breaking through an already open door. In this excellent film by Robert Mugge, we follow the journey of Al Green, one of the totems of southern soul who became a pastor when his career reached its peak in the mid-seventies. Inseparable from Hi Records, he helped the legendary company figure prominently on the map of labels producing the best soul in the States. Producer Willie Mitchell's singular sound, combined with the inimitable tone and style of Green’s high-flying vocals, gave the recording studio the impetus it needed to rival Memphis hit machines like Stax, Ardent and Sun Records. The singer's rise to prominence mirrors Mitchell's words about Green's greatest hit, “Let's Stay Together” ... *A title, a song that doesn't stay in place, goes up, goes up, goes so high that it can never come down the mountain again.* It is a picture of ascent, a rise up to the reflected by the director's camera, which ends up centered on a smiling Al Green as he begins to recount, in great detail, the day spiritual revelation fell upon him on the evening of 1973, on his return from a tour. He went from exceptional popularity, from the daily life of a rock star' and a career worth a million dollars to the sudden, burning need to record exclusively gospel music and preach the word of God. As viewers it leaves us pensive. Endowed with undeniable charm and charisma, the images of Al Green on stage, whether it be for this concert given at a military base in Washington D.C. or the incredible preaching session captured in his parish in Memphis (which closes the film) brilliantly demonstrate the permeability of these two sibling genres. Whether through soul, gospel, spiritual or non-confessional songs, Al Green's great talent remains the same: it’s all about spreading love! Julien D.

Notes:

Title from resource description page (viewed July 16, 2025).