BMI Exclusive: Inside Royal Studios with Soul Legend Al Green

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of iconic albums Let’s Stay Together and I’m Still in Love with You.
Both released in 1972, Let’s Stay Together and I’m Still in Love with You are hailed today as definitive classics, showcasing the incredible songwriting and vocal talents of Al Green that set a gold standard in soul music. BMI Executive Director, Creative Shannon Sanders was honored by the rare opportunity to sit down with the multiple GRAMMY-winning Al Green in Royal Studios in Memphis, where these two landmark albums were recorded, to discuss their creation and enduring legacy. Helmed by renowned producer/songwriter Willie Mitchell, these records paired Green with the versatile Hi-Rhythm Band and captured not only a string of timeless songs like “La-La for You,” “Love and Happiness,” “Look What You Done for Me” and, of course, “Let’s Stay Together,” but also a pivotal moment in time. These legendary songs came with a resonant staying power that has made them fixtures in the canon of popular music.
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[@scottmerrell4507]

Al Green is one of the greatest singers of all time.

[@ajonesa1231]

One of? TRY THEGOAT

[@scottmerrell4507]

@@ajonesa1231 the same applies to Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso, Frank Sinatra...I could go on and on. They are all "GOAT's". There is not just one, and Al would be the first to agree.

[@pamelareid7731]

Geniuses

[@user-ur4xu7ve3n]

Al is a masterpiece ❤❤❤❤

[@gwenstevens1963]

LEGEND❤❤❤❤❤ wow!!! Beautiful

[@vgbondarev]

So happy that Rev. Green is still with us. He's an icon.

[@WordsAreWealth]

I really enjoyed hearing them Talk about their creative process. Pure genius!!

[@ajonesa1231]

THIS VIDEO WAS FANTASTIC!!! I WISH IT WAS 2 HRS LONGER!!!! I LOVE REV GREEN!!! HE IS THE GOAT HANDS DOWN!!!!

[@plasteredbastard]

the true brilliance is memphis and its collage of music and influences. al, willie, royal studios and hi records are a pillar of that brilliance.

[@dominiquejones3805]

Willie Mitchell is 1 of the greatest prosducers EVER

[@GChizo]

Really great. Thank you

[@patriciaomailley2807]

Absolutely amazing Reverend Al Green.

[@oneart7623]

Hey, just thought I'd say a big thank you to BMI for being willing to do a video like this. Such a breath of fresh air. Thank you. @bmi

[@sandra-jones]

Congratulations AL!!!

[@hopediamond4real]

Hey, namesake! I’m also a lover of Al Green’s music!

[@sinecam3606]

AL GREEN; YOU CAN'T TOUCH THIS !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kirkleaphart-stankybleapha7248]

I was 14 years old when I met AL in Detroit in 1972 in front of the David Broderick Tower after he had just finished an interview at WJLB radio and after I had just answered and fulfilled his driver's request for instructions as to where Flagg Brothers Shoes store was where they could get those white shoes that the world saw and still see AL wearing on the front of the album cover of I'm Still In Love With You.

[@briannaliguori6968]

amazing video! a true legend, this is so awesome!

[@debbiedaniels553]

I truly enjoy all of Al Greens 🎵🎶 music...

[@debbiedaniels553]

@@Amy_Irving Still the best 🤗

[@andreaoliveira4860]

​@@Amy_IrvingMaravilhoso!!Gratidão pelo seu maravilhoso trabalho! Ouvir suas músicas traz ótimas energias Gratidão querido !!

[@Amy_Irving]

@@andreaoliveira4860 Obrigado por aumentar o moral. Agradeço muito seu carinho e preocupação, meu querido fã ❤Tenho muito respeito e carinho por um fã tão dedicado como você. Gostaria de saber sobre o seu interesse..O que você gosta em mim? E se você não se importa, podemos ter uma conversa segura porque sou muito aberto para conversar aqui e nem sempre estou aqui por causa da minha agenda lotada.

[@Amy_Irving]

@@andreaoliveira4860 Obrigado por aumentar o moral. Agradeço muito seu carinho e preocupação, meu querido fã ❤Tenho muito respeito e carinho por um fã tão dedicado como você. Gostaria de saber sobre o seu interesse..O que você gosta em mim? E se você não se importa, podemos ter uma conversa segura porque sou muito aberto para conversar aqui e nem sempre estou aqui por causa da minha agenda lotada.

[@kwameaboagye121]

Brother Al Green and Brother Willie Mitchell were so phenomenal. Brother Al Green soul and gospel singer and Brother Willie Mitchell record producer and manager. RIP Brother Willie Mitchell.

[@kathrynprice8873]

Wow, Just out of this World 🌍,,,, You just had that It about you, 🎤🎼Thanks for the Memories 🌹

[@kingdomthings9887]

Loved watching this 😍. I was 8 years old, and loved these songs. Still do. Music washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life. 🎙🎵 🎼 🎷🎸🎺🪕

[@dominiquejones3805]

Al and Willie were n a groove 4 real

[@sheilapalmer224]

You are the goat

[@dominiquejones3805]

Legacy is already implanted. Al cant even explain himself

[@Chelltheworshiper]

Good stuff here. Thank you 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@DrewMusicYT]

So good to see Al Green in 2022! We all love Booker T & The MGs, but I would love to see a documentary on the Royal Studios / XL / Sounds of Memphis band members and artists who were part of that massive Memphis soul scene happening outside of (but alongside of) Stax.

[@lisawhite8743]

Superb!

[@jorhodes8507]

I wish that God would grant me the opportunity to meet Al Green face-to-face to tell him how much his music has touched me. He is one of my top favorites. ❤❤❤

[@darm.8172]

You And ME…He Has A Church In Memphis…LET’S GO!!! :-)

[@danielfavors2613]

Go to Memphis and try to attend his church in Memphis.✌🏾

[@thurdysixo]

Timeless

[@pinkyjackson5422]

❤

[@jamallabarge2665]

Looks like Mr. Mitchell did more than write beautiful music. He lead people to make beautiful music come to life.

[@pj5253]

Awesome thanks for sending this to me G

[@zivaray]

Wish there was a BIOPIC

[@m_recordz]

Arrived here via Flaming Pablum.

[@Aheartasblackasnight]

😊

[@dominiquejones3805]

RZA put me on Willie Mitchell

[@mstenikawatson7484]

Omg I kept skimming through this video trying to find Al Green (back and forth trying to find him) til all of a sudden it dawned on me. 😱 Please don't tell me this is Al Green looking BB King? Say it ain't so. Im gonna have to skip this interview.

[@willowf4869]

Al r u married? If not will you marry me!!!❤