At 68, the Rev. Al Green still has that totally unique, truly soulful voice. He also has his own church and a great sense of humor.
"Some people's voice change as they get older or different ages. But mine is still about the same," Green told Anthony Mason of CBS News. "I can hit higher notes now. Only thing you gotta do is step on my foot," he said, laughing.
Born to sharecroppers in Arkansas, Green first made his name touring the gospel circuits of the South. Now he's one of the defining voices of Memphis soul. His songs have been covered by Annie Lennox, Dave Matthews and Bruce Springsteen.
On Dec. 7 he was one of five artists receiving this year's Kennedy Center Honors, the national awards for influencing American culture through the arts. Tom Hanks, Sting, Lily Tomlin and ballerina Patricia McBride also received the honor. The Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast Dec. 30 on CBS.
One of the great soul singers of his time, Green's career has taken him from gospel to r&b and back, winning him the 11 Grammy awards that decorate his church office in Memphis. His hits include "Tired of Being Alone," "Let's Stay Together," "I'm Still in Love With You," "Call Me," "Here I Am," "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)" and "L-O-V-E (Love)."
Green grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich. After his father kicked him out of the house for playing Jackie Wilson records, he formed a group. Al Green & the Soul Mates had a modest hit with "Back up Train" in 1968.
In the 1970s Green scored eight gold singles. At the peak of his success, after a concert in Disneyland in 1973, Green had a dream and woke up born-again.
"I was scared to ask why it happened then that night. 'Cause I don't want nothin' to change. I said, 'Whatever your will is for me, I'll accept it,'" he told CBS News.
So for almost 38 years, the Baptist bishop has been preaching to his Memphis congregation at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church. And through all those years he kept making music. He is now working on a gospel album.
