Take Me to the River

Alone among the greatest vocalists and song-writers in American music. Al Green has fused these opposing concepts into an intense and original sound that transcends the divide between the sacred and the profane. With an extraordinary appeal that has continued unabated since the mid-seventies, this quintessential soul and man remains one of the most enduring, electrifying, and enigmatic artists of our era-a man who has walked the tightrope between the devil's music and God's calling and lived to tell the tale.

Now Al Green's tale is told for the first time in Take Me to the River, his inspiring, unsparing, and ultimately transforming autobiography. From a sharecropper's shack in Jacknash, Arkansas, to the absolute pinnacle of show business success, it chronicles the career of this gifted singer in rich and never-before-revealed detail. From his early days on the gospel and R&B circuits and his fateful encounter with legendary producer Willie Mitchell to a harrowing account of the attempted murder and suicide scandal that made headlines worldwide, this is the whole story, straight from the man who knows best. But Take Me to the River is more than a standard-issue rags-to-riches saga. The epic spiritual struggle for the heart and soul of Al Green is brought to life with all the urgency and immediacy of his music. A story of repentance, redemption, and renewal, the life of Al Green is a moving account of one man's journey to personal, creative, and spiritual wholeness.

I also found the book to be very well written. I have two major complaints though. First of all, as another reviewer has pointed out , (and I'm amazed that it's only been one), the book looks like it wasn't edited. I have never read a book with so many blatant typos, in my life! Harper Collins should be ashamed (and should make a recall, have the book edited, and send everyone new copies.)

My second objection is much less cut-and-dried: I was recently involved in the production of an event at which Mr. Green was given a Lifetime Achievement Award, and not only did he not show up, but didn't notify anyone until the day of the event, that he would not be there, leaving many people in a very awkward position-and leaving a very unsatisfied audience at the Apollo Theater. He had been aware of the award and of the event, for at least a month, and had confirmed the fact that he would attend.

The fact that he didn't show up was an insult to the organization making the presentation, as well as to the house full of people who were expecting to see him...Even worse, this isn't the first instance of his not showing up for a scheduled appearance, that I know about. I must say, that knowledge of actions like these, made me read certain sections of "Take Me To The River" with more than a grain of salt...


For Music Lovers, An Inspiring Read   January 21, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

For the truly musically inclined, this book will touch your soul. Al Green's love of music is more than just words and songs, it goes to the core - the everyday sounds of life. True music lovers will identify with his use of poetic imagery to describe the impact music made throughout and how blessed his life has been through this gift. While I found the first half of the book, which covered his childhood thru his beginnings as a solo artist, absolutely engrossing, the second half felt a bit rushed. There was a need for more to fill in the details of his later years. I do commend Green and Seay for leaving out the gory details of life on the road and the wild stories that came with it.


Al Green Took Me to the River   January 12, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Al Green's new autobiography, written in 2000, is a riveting story for anyone who has ever been curious about Al Green, how he came to be a famous soul singer, and the story behind his music. I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked it up. It was easy to read and very entertaining. He starts off describing his childhood and his experiences in Jacknash Arkansas as the middle child of a sharecropping family. He tells about his parents whom he loves very much and how they had the courage to sell everything they had and move north for a better life. "Al," he said, "go wake up your brothers and sisters. Tell them to get dressed and start packin." Al explains how much he learned from his parents and how much he respects them for taking this gutsy move. His childhood was hard but he pursued his dream of becoming a soul singer and when he teamed up with legendary producer Willie Mitchell, he was on his way. This autobiography tells of his rise to the top of the music industry, his attempted murder and suicide, his immense struggle between his religious side and his secular side, and how this struggle is reflected in much of his music. Al eventually chooses God over his million dollar career but left us with some of the best soul music ever recorded. I was very surprised at the candor with which Al told the details of his life, good and bad. He talked as honestly about the problems he had with drugs and money as he did about his numerous successes. It made his story sound very earnest and sincere. He covered all the bases of his life and answered all the questions I had about the artist that I have been listening to for many years. The only negative about this book was that it wasn't longer. I was not ready for it to end and have a strong desire to read as much more as I can about him. I am only 17 years old but have been listening to Al Green for over five years. This book was very well written and very interesting to me. I am sure it will be just as riveting for other fans.