Take Me to the River

by Al Green

Born of humble origins in Arkansas in 1946, Al Green was to emerge as the first great soul singer of the 1970s and arguably the last great Southern singer, issuing records that were to influence not only his contemporaries, but veterans like Marvin Gaye. This work looks at his life and, while there are undoubted moments of tragedy, Green demonstrates reasons for resistance, joy and, ultimately, celebration. With the assistance of music writer Davin Seay, the book relates the turbulent, fascinating and inspirational life of one of the real stars of 20th-century music.

Genres: Music, Biography, History, Autobiography

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite my interest in Green's story, I didn't expect much of a celebrity memoir. How wrong I was. From the detailed, multi-sensory rendering of scenes to depictions of complex relationships, Green and his co-writer never falter in their storytelling. While Green tells a story of great success, his Christian faith and perspective tempers nearly all possible arrogance. At the same, his honesty about everything from structural racism and loneliness to his struggles in romantic relationships keeps the story from lapsing into the false piety some Christian stories are guilty of.

Best of all, Green and his co-writer don't just tell an entertaining account of musical success, they offer a story to live by, rich in encouragement and wisdom.

[Ally Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never been an avid reader of autobiographies but seeing Al Green's 'Take Me to the River' on a seller's shelf piqued my interest.
I am a confessed fan of Soul music and in particular from the 1960s' and 70s' and although I was aware he was an ordained pastor I was not expecting Green's level of honesty in describing the tension he experienced between the music entertainment industry and his calling by God. Green freely admits that around the time he hit the 'big time' and all the worldly desires that entail as being one of the loneliest times of his life. This level of transparency and depth is unusual from a figure in the public eye and thus refreshing for the reader not so much the obvious pride in his achievements. You would not have to be a fan of his music to enjoy the clarity of self-understanding and torn soul that rises from the page without being preachy.

[Nathan Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir was a lot more engaging than I expected, and evocatively written (I’m sure with heavy involvement from cowriter and probable ghost Davin Seay), though its content is focused overwhelmingly on Green’s pre-fame life, tending to skim over a lot (especially musically) after his collaboration with Willie Mitchell begins. Still, as an analysis of the inner turmoil of going from poverty to fame, from Jesus to orgies, and all the temptations and nightmares that fly in as a result, this is quite the vivid narrative, and very much worth a read, though it isn’t particularly illuminating as a fan of the music.

[John Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, here's something...it looks like Al wrote this book all by his lonesome. We get to read it, spelling mistakes, typos and all. Weird.

Here's the big thing for me. I've got an autographed copy. He was at the Rock and Soul Museum in Memphis when I was there, and the Reverend Al signed my copy. So. Totally. Cool.

(the book is pretty good too.)

[j_ay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The music bits are nice and interesting, but there are seemingly more references to a "god" and ridiculously capitalized pronouns than in the bible.
Mister Green is undoubtedly sincere in his beliefs, but it gets tiring, nauseating, scary and overbearing by page 2.

[Chi Chi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly standard music bio, sprinkled with plenty of God talk.

[El Espada · Rating 3 out of 5]

Al tiptoed through the tulips. A little preachy but an interesting read.