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Genres
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DirectorROBERT MUGGE
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Release Date2017
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Runtime1 hr 35 min

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Gospel According To Al Green is a 1984 documentary film directed and produced by Robert Mugge. The film explores the life and career of soul singer Al Green, who left the music industry in the mid-1970s to become a pastor and icon of gospel music in Memphis. The movie features interviews with Green and his family, friends, and fellow musicians, as well as performances by Green of some of his most famous songs, such as "Let's Stay Together" and "Tired of Being Alone". The film also includes footage of Green's church services and visits to the Holy Land, where he reflects on his spirituality and faith. 4l1ui
As the movie opens, viewers are introduced to Green's humble beginnings as the son of a sharecropper in rural Arkansas. Green discovered his love of music at a young age and began singing in his church's choir. When his family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, Green formed a group called the Creations and later the Soul Mates, which scored a regional hit with "Back Up Train".
Green signed with Hi Records in the late 1960s and went on to become one of the biggest soul musicians of the era, with hits like "Let's Stay Together", "I'm Still in Love with You", and "You Ought to Be with Me". Green's soulful music was characterized by his smooth, seductive vocals and his ability to mix elements of gospel, funk, and R&B.
However, despite his success, Green began to feel disillusioned with the music industry and the lifestyle that came with it. In 1974, Green's then-girlfriend Mary Woodson poured boiling hot grits on him while he was taking a bath, leading to Green's decision to retire from secular music and turn to gospel.
The Gospel According To Al Green delves into Green's transformation from soul superstar to preacher. Green's new calling wasn't immediately embraced by his fans, but he quickly gained a following in Memphis, where he opened his own church, the Full Gospel Tabernacle.
The movie features interviews with Green's parishioners, who speak about the impact Green had on their lives through his music and his preaching. One woman describes Green as "the real thing" when it comes to his faith while another calls him "a living example of what God can do".
Throughout the film, Green discusses his spirituality and the role of music in his life. He describes music as "a language of the soul" and speaks about the importance of using his talent to serve God. The movie features footage of Green on a trip to the Holy Land, where he reflects on his faith and performs a concert in Jerusalem.
Despite his transition from secular to gospel music, Green's influence in pop culture has continued to this day. The documentary shows snippets of various artists covering his songs such as Talking Heads, Bruce Springsteen, and Prince.
Overall, Gospel According To Al Green is a touching tribute to a soul music legend who turned to God and became an icon of gospel music. The movie offers an intimate portrayal of Green as a person and as a musician, showcasing not only his talent but also his comion and faith. It is a must-watch for fans of soul and gospel music, as well as anyone interested in the transformative power of faith.