Take Me to the River

Rating:
Summary: Very Eye-Opening
Review: Al Green is one of the Baddest talents the Music World has ever Heard.His Genius is Timeless.but after Reading this Book You Respect Him even more.alot of Artists have made music about being in different Worlds trying to balance them out but MR.AL Green did Live it.he paid his dues like so many Artists before&Since.it's a real Eye-Opener for Many who didn't know about this Man's Overcomings.a Must Read.

Rating:
Summary: Al Green Took Me to the River
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Al Green Took Me to the River
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: i liked it
Review: Every time I think of this man, I remember "Love and Happiness" and dancing to his music when I was a little girl and liking it down in a friend's basement. Reading this book brought back the memories and more. Obviously, this man has truly paid his dues, I feel after reading it though, that he either had some more to say and or there is sequel coming. One thing I like is that when he was on his own, he never wanted to give up. He just kept on no matter what. He had doubts, but he kept on. His deference to Willie Mitchell is touching. A lot of folk don't remember the ones who helped them up. He did, and the thing with that was they both acted liked gentlemen in their business dealings. when they agreed to do business together, they were tight, and when they decided to part, it was still all good. I don't think we heard the end of the Rev.Green though. Stay tuned.

Rating:
Summary: For Music Lovers, An Inspiring Read
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Take it to the river, Leave it there!
Review: Huge Al Green fan, yet greatly disappointed in this book. For some reason, I did not feel total truth and sincerity was put into writing this book. And who was the editor! The numerous typos only led to further frustration. I have always respected Al Green for who he was- the church boy gone secular who never lost his ability to interpret any tune with gospel fire and conviction. The Hollywood side of Al has always been visible- to everyone but himself- and it is still prevelant as I watch him on numerous television events singing his hits of old. I was not fascinated by this read and I would suggest that you borrow this book from the library or a friend before making the purchase.

Rating:
Summary: I read this book in less than 24 hours
Review: I absolutley could not put it down until i finished the whole incredible thing. Being a die hard Al Green fan, this book only made me a bigger fan. His honesty and sincerity was so refreshing. I'd been sceptical of buying another autobiography after reading Aretha Franklins' disaster of a book. However, i was highly pleased with Al Green's story. This book could serve as a "real life" lesson for American history. His story offers a first hand account of the Black American experience after the Great Deprression. From sharecropping to the great migration of Blacks from the south to the north, he's lived it all. Anyone aspiring to write their life story can benefit from this book. He tells just enough to keep you turning the pages, not bogging down with a lot of trivial ideas or heady musical facts or unimportant details. i feel like i've gotten to know a legend, who is acknowledges that he is only human. I recommend this book to anyone who loves music and loves to read. I definately plan to readthis one again!!

Rating:
Summary: Thoughts on Take Me To The River
Review: I believe that one of the most interesting aspects of the book is Al's discussion about his upbringing in an intensely religious home, and how this conflicted with his worldly aspirations. His story in a sense is not unlike many of the stars of his generation who were brought up in the church, and found themselves at odds with their parents world view. The chapter that illuminated on the Hi recording sessions at the Royal Studios in Memphis was spectacular. The book even provides a great run down of the stars on the Hi label - a record label that has not received the respect it is due. By the way, Al Green's producer Willie Mitchell is a genius. He turned Al Green into a superstar. However, I must say I found the book wanting. I thought the pictures in the book were one's that most of us who have followed his career have seen over and over. In addition, there are no pictures of him as a child, or even of his own family (wife and children). If you expect this book to be reveal any of the struggles that he has dealt with on a personal level, you will be sorely disappointed. He glosses over his own personal family life. The book paints a nice surface potrait of Al, but really does not go much beyond that.

Rating:
Summary: Thoughts on Take Me To The River
Review: I believe that one of the most interesting aspects of the book is Al's discussion about his upbringing in an intensely religious home, and how this conflicted with his worldly aspirations. His story in a sense is not unlike many of the stars of his generation who were brought up in the church, and found themselves at odds with their parents world view. The chapter that illuminated on the Hi recording sessions at the Royal Studios in Memphis was spectacular. The book even provides a great run down of the stars on the Hi label - a record label that has not received the respect it is due. By the way, Al Green's producer Willie Mitchell is a genius. He turned Al Green into a superstar. However, I must say I found the book wanting. I thought the pictures in the book were one's that most of us who have followed his career have seen over and over. In addition, there are no pictures of him as a child, or even of his own family (wife and children). If you expect this book to be reveal any of the struggles that he has dealt with on a personal level, you will be sorely disappointed. He glosses over his own personal family life. The book paints a nice surface potrait of Al, but really does not go much beyond that.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, but...
Review: I found "Take Me To The River" to be very eye-opening, in terms of the amazing range of experiences that Al Green has had, and as to his development as an artist. It was the later part, that interested me the most. Having been a fan of his, since "Tired of Being Alone" changed the course of soul music, in 1971, I was most fascinated by his accounts of his working relationship with Willie Mitchell (who I consider an unsung genius of popular music), and with the Hi Records rhythm section, one of the greatest groups to ever make a record.

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...