Dichotomy –
a division or contrast between two things
that are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
The Rev. Al Green could be one of the true definitions
of the word dichotomy. Over the course of his musical career he has amassed
sales of more than 20 million albums and is almost universally recognized as
one of the most soulful performers in music history. His discography included
what are some of the most overtly sexy songs this side of Marvin Gaye and then
stack that up against the fact that he has by-in-large walked away from music
and dedicate his life to ministering his flock from the pulpit rather than the
concert stage.
Despite his very public successes, up until now, Green
has remained largely shrouded in mystery. That is where biographer Jimmy
McDonough steps into the picture and turns his laser-like focus to delving deep
into the story of Al Green life to flesh out what could be the definitive tale
of his life and career.
McDonough does for al Green what he has done for the
likes of other music legends including: Neil Young, John Fogarty, Tammy Wynette
and filmmaker Russ Mayer. While Green continues to stridently avoid the
spotlight, McDonough pieces together Green’s story from a seemingly endless
collection of personal interviews with the soul master’s intimates and those
who were around during his childhood, right up to his heyday at the top of the
charts to draw the life story he details in Soul
Survivor: A Biography of Al Green.
At times dark and at others joyous, in Soul Survivor, McDonough peels back the
layer of a very complex and at times troubled life of a man who seemed forever
poised to walk the razor edged tightrope between the world of gospel and the
often wanton desires of popular, soul music. From the broad brush strokes to
the fine pointillism, McDonough draws an intimate portrait of Green’s heretofore
uncharted story.
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