A week and a half ago I got my hands on the Al Green leak. I had heard a few snippets before so I was really anxious to get my hands on this album. Not as much for myself but for my mother-in-law that was one of the biggest Al Green fans on the face of the earth. I say was, because she passed away last week at the age of 71.

I had given her a copy of "Lay It Down" a few days after I got it. She called me the next day and thanked me for giving her a copy of this album. She said "It's just wonderful to hear Al make beautiful music like this again. It brings back so many happy memories". I hipped her to how this album was produced by this cat that fronts a Hip Hop band named the roots and how he really respects the old school and wanted to take Al back to those "roots". With "What More Do You Want From Me" playing in the background she said "God Bless him" in her usual earnest way. I told her I'd pick up the official release once it hit the stores. She didn't quite understand how she could be listening to the album even though it "wasn't out" lol I just laughed and let it go, saying "I'll bring you the case with the cover at the end of May"


That was the last conversation I ever had with her. She was rushed to the hospital a few days later and died from congestive heart failure that evening. Even though she had been ill the last few years, we really didn't expect it to come this suddenly. As you can imagine the whole family is devastated. She was one of the most kind hearted loving women I have ever known. I can honestly say I loved her like my own mother.

He funeral was today. We hosted her reception at my home after the service. She was a big Marvin Gay and Temps fan as well, so I had them playing along with an Al Greens greatest hits collection. My sister-in-law walked over to me and asked if I had any of the new Al Green in the play list. She said she played the album 4-6 hours a day from the day I gave it to her until the day she passed. She had learned all the songs and would sing along as she sat on her back porch watching her two younger grand-children play. She really LOVED this album man. Even though my eyes fill with tears when I hear these songs now, I feel some comfort in knowing I was able to give her something that she treasured as much as she did this record. On behalf of our whole family I just want to thank you for bringing this wonderful woman some happiness in her final days.

Peace


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