Thursday, September 7, 2017

The Dichotomy of Soul

Soul Survivor: A Biography of Al Green – Jimmy McDonough (DaCapo Press)

Dichotomya 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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