Classic pop songs of all time continues with the master of soul smooth vocals, the Rev Al Green, and whilst I don't share his personal religious views that's no reason to avoid posting the man's songs of which this has entered the public domain somehow as a timeless classic covered as Jeff Harris' blog notes by a plethora of other stars

On this day in music history: February 12, 1972 - “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week, also topping the R&B singles chart for 9 weeks on January 8, 1972. Written by Al Green, Willie Mitchell and Al Jackson, Jr., it is the first chart topper and biggest hit for the R&B legend from Forrest City, AR. From a devoutly religious family and raised in the Baptist church, Al Green grows up singing gospel music, though is also a huge fan of secular R&B (but also gospel influenced) singers like Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, and James Brown. Green meets producer Willie Mitchell in 1968, becoming the young singer’s mentor, and helping to find his own vocal style and personality rather than just imitating his musical heroes. By 1971, they begin to make major headway when the single “Tired Of Being Alone” (#7 R&B, #11 Pop) becomes Al Green’s first major hit. For his third album, Green and Mitchell collaborate with drummer Al Jackson (Booker T. & The MG’s), on what becomes “Let’s Stay Together”. Recorded at Mitchell’s Royal Recording Studios in Memphis, TN in the Fall of 1971, Green is initially not pleased with his vocal on the finished recording, not wanting it to be released. Mitchell convinces him otherwise, and is vindicated when it becomes an instant smash after its release in November of 1971. Entering the Hot 100 at #68 on December 4, 1971, it will climb to the top of the chart ten weeks later. “Let’s Stay Together” becomes Al Green’s signature song, being covered by numerous artists including Billy Paul, Roberta Flack, Seal, and Tina Turner. Turner’s cover version (#3 R&B, #26 Pop) is catalyst for her huge comeback in 1984. Green’s original version is also featured in several films including “Munich”, “Jersey Girl” and “Pulp Fiction”. When Al Green’s first greatest hits album is released in 1975, it includes a longer version of “Let’s Stay Together”, running nearly five minutes compared to the original LP and single releases clocking in at 3:15. Al Green’s original version of “Let’s Stay Together” is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1999. The song is also selected for inclusion in the National Registry by The Library Of Congress in 2010, for its ongoing historic and cultural significance. When President Barack Obama performs a brief phrase of the song at a campaign fund raiser in January of 2012, digital download sales of Al Green’s recording increase by 490% the following week. This occurs after a YouTube video of the President goes viral on social media. “Let’s Stay Together” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.