The Gospel of Al Green

Mr. McDonough makes it clear early on that the creator of so many anthems of intimacy and steadfast love—“Let's Stay Together,” “Call Me,” “Let's Get Married,” “I'm Still in Love With You,” to name only a few—can be a moody, quick-to-anger loner. Likewise, the born-again evangelist who in his prime 40 years ago turned his back on showbiz for the wilderness of gospel music is, according to his biographer, a “tormented soul” (now 71) who seems to find only limited peace in his current role as the reverend at his Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis.