Any info whatsoever:-)

**Derekreese** · 02-13-2017, 10:27 PM

Hello everyone,
I am brand new here an wanted to ask a question.
Al Greens first album back up train was released in 1967,
It was recorded in Grand Rapids Michigan in 1966 on 28th street in what the article said "a run down studio"
My question is, does anyone have any info on the recording of this album ?
Any technical info, what the studio was called, equipment etc.
The first song back up train, his vocal is so beautiful and up close and personal, it truly is a work of art in my opinion.
If I had to take a wild guess,
I would say he used a U47 mic going through a tube console and obviously to tape.
I hope someone can shed some light on this remarkable recording.
Thank you :-)

**marv2** · 02-13-2017, 10:54 PM

Originally Posted by Derekreese

Hello everyone,
I am brand new here an wanted to ask a question.
Al Greens first album back up train was released in 1967,
It was recorded in Grand Rapids Michigan in 1966 on 28th street in what the article said "a run down studio"
My question is, does anyone have any info on the recording of this album ?
Any technical info, what the studio was called, equipment etc.
The first song back up train, his vocal is so beautiful and up close and personal, it truly is a work of art in my opinion.
If I had to take a wild guess,
I would say he used a U47 mic going through a tube console and obviously to tape.
I hope someone can shed some light on this remarkable recording.
Thank you :-)

I can tell you this, "Back Up Train" labeled Al Greene & The Soul mates was the number one record for 3 weeks over the Christmas holiday 1967 on radio station WKLR-99 in Toledo, Ohio. Killer track!

**Derekreese** · 02-13-2017, 11:17 PM

That is fabulous!!!

**marv2** · 02-14-2017, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by Derekreese

That is fabulous!!!

I was a kid, but it seemed that all of my neighbors [[several teenagers) would play and sing that song constantly for a good while until I learned all of the words. Two years ago, I bought the CD on Amazon.com. My parents use to go to see Al Green during that time in 60s at a little club on Detroit Ave. in Toledo called "The Green Light":

**TomatoTom123** · 02-14-2017, 09:27 PM

I have just listened to the song and it is beautiful and mellow and lovely! [[But also very short!) By the way, welcome Derek!!! I hope you have a great time on the forum

**daddyacey** · 02-17-2017, 01:33 AM

Originally Posted by marv2

I can tell you this, "Back Up Train" labeled Al Greene & The Soul mates was the number one record for 3 weeks over the Christmas holiday 1967 on radio station WKLR-99 in Toledo, Ohio. Killer track!

In his book "Take me to the river" the track was cutfor Zodiac Records in 1967 and picked up by Bell Records in 1968 for national distribution.

**marv2** · 02-17-2017, 03:24 AM

Here's a copy of the 45 label we had:

Attachment 12535

**jack020** · 02-17-2017, 03:32 AM

See the info here:
http://royalstudios.com/history/

**marv2** · 02-17-2017, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by Derekreese

Hello everyone,
I am brand new here an wanted to ask a question.
Al Greens first album back up train was released in 1967,
It was recorded in Grand Rapids Michigan in 1966 on 28th street in what the article said "a run down studio"
My question is, does anyone have any info on the recording of this album ?
Any technical info, what the studio was called, equipment etc.
The first song back up train, his vocal is so beautiful and up close and personal, it truly is a work of art in my opinion.
If I had to take a wild guess,
I would say he used a U47 mic going through a tube console and obviously to tape.
I hope someone can shed some light on this remarkable recording.
Thank you :-)

Al Green grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan.