Favorite 70's R&B Songs #5 - "Let's Stay Together"

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We have reached Top 5 territory in my Favorite 70's R&B Songs series, and the fifth spot belongs to the classic, "Let's Stay Together" by the legendary Al Green. Al Green (you may also call him The Reverend Al Green. He began recording Gospel albums in 1980,) started in the music business in 1967 and is still going strong. (Did you know that Green's real last name is "Greene?" He removed the "e" in the late 60's.) Influenced by the likes of Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, and Jackie Wilson (as a teenager, Green's father kicked the singer out of the house after finding him listening to Wilson,) Green had an amazing seven consecutive gold singles in his heyday. He is in the Rock and Roll, Gospel Music, and Songwriters Halls of Fame. The title track to his gold 1972 album, "Let's Stay Together" was released as a single in 1971. Hitting #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, it remains Green's only #1 pop hit. Tina Turner scored a Top 40 (#26) hit with her 1983 cover version. The song has been covered numerous times, including Isaac Hayes, Al Jarreau, Roberta Flack, and Seal. Face it, there is a reason "Let's Stay Together" made this countdown. Silky smooth music has a lot to do with it, but it's Green's soulful vocals that get me every time. It's a bona fide classic, and I have loved it since the first time I heard it. (Info verified by Wikipedia)