Today marks the 72nd birthday of legendary Motown singer, Al Green.
Green was born on a small farm in Dansby, Arkansas who began performing at a young age. He grew up singing gospel music with his brothers as part of the Greene Brothers. After the family moved to Michigan, secular music began to interest him. Unfortunately, his family wasn't having it and kicked him out the house.
Luckily that didn't discourage the young singer, because he then started a group called the Creations, which later evolved to Al Greene and the Soul Mates. Their success led them to NYC to perform at the world famous, Apollo Theater.
As you can imagine, his career began to sky rocket from there and he eventually dropped the "e" from his last name.
Today Green is known as one of the most influential artists of our time. Leaving us with great hits such as "Let's Stay Together," "Tired of Being Alone" and "Love and Happiness."
Check out Uncle Steve and J. Anthony Brown as they jam out singing some "Love and Happiness":
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Happy Birthday Al! May you have many more years of "love and happiness!"
Photo: Getty Images