Chart Performance: Pop (#1) & R&B (#1 for 9 weeks); 1972
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
The architects of Al Green‘s hit records, apart from Al’s gospel-tinged vocals, were Al Jackson and Willie Mitchell. Drummer Jackson’s steady backbeat had propelled a string of hits by Booker T. & The MG’s and others. Instrumentalist Mitchell had recorded Soul Serenade (#10 R&B, 1968), and was a producer/executive at Hi Records. As for Green, he had scored a Top 5 R&B hit with Back Up Train, also in 1968. When Mitchell and Green met at a club gig in Midland, Texas, the stage was set for fame and fortune. As the follow-up to Tired Of Being Alone, the two Al’s and Willie penned Let’s Stay Together in mere minutes. Green did his thing, yet, didn’t like his voice on the final recording. Willie’s belief in Together prevailed over the singer’s doubts. In the end, Let’s Stay Together – with Mitchell in the producer’s chair and Jackson behind the drums – became Al Green’s biggest single, and the top R&B hit of the 1970’s.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2023 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Willie Mitchell
Lyrics Written by:
- Al Green
- Willie Mitchell
- Al Jackson Jr.
Awards:
- Library of Congress Selection
- Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004
- Platinum Certification in 2021
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).
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