Sounds of Soul
This song about remaining with the one you love through good and bad times was a #1 hit for Al Green — and it continues to be a popular song at weddings. Green wrote the lyrics. The music was written by Al Jackson, Jr., and Willie Mitchell. Jackson was a drummer, producer, and songwriter. He was one of the founding members of Booker T. & The M.G.’s. Mitchell was a trumpeter, bandleader, record producer and arranger.
Green wasn’t sure about the song and wasn’t happy with the thin sound of his falsetto, but it was successful internationally. “Let’s Stay Together” was released as a single in 1971, backed with “Tomorrow’s Dream.” “Let’s Stay Together” went to #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Song Songs chart, and on Cash Box. It was #7 in the U.K. and #14 in Canada. It was also released on Al Green’s 1972 album titled Let’s Stay Together.
Tina Turner did a cover of the song in 1983, which also charted well internationally. It helped to boost her career after she had left Ike Turner and went out on her own.
Al Green was born Albert Leomes Greene in Forrest City, Arkansas. He is known as The Reverend Al Green and has sung, written, and produced songs in a number of genres, incuding R&B, soul, blues, and gospel. Among his many soul hit singles are “Take Me to the River, ” “Tired of Being Alone,” “I’m Still in Love with You, and “Love and Happiness, just to name a few.
