Shirley Kyles is a woman whose life story is filled with strength, resilience, and a deep connection to faith and family. Many know her as the ex-wife of the famous American singer and songwriter Al Green, but Shirley’s life extends far beyond her marriage to the soul legend. She was a multitalented woman who succeeded in various fields, including music, military service, and community advocacy. Her journey was marked by both triumph and struggle, reflecting the realities many face when balancing love, hardship, and personal growth. This article offers a detailed look at Shirley Kyles’ life—from her early years and career to her marriage to Al Green, the challenges she endured, and the legacy she left behind.
Profile Summary
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shirley Anne Watts Kyles Green |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Oregon, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christian (Baptist) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Al Green (married 1977–1983) |
| Children | Three daughters: Alva, Rubi, Cora |
| Profession | Background singer, military officer, advocate |
| Known For | Former wife of Al Green, abuse victim advocate |
| Date of Death | July 17, 2023 |
| Age at Death | 74 years |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known |
Early Life and Family Background
Shirley Anne Watts Kyles Green was born on July 28, 1948, in Oregon, USA. She spent much of her childhood in Chicago, growing up in a family that was deeply rooted in Christian faith, particularly the Baptist tradition. Her upbringing was strongly influenced by her father, Larry Samuel Focht, who was a Baptist preacher. This faith-based environment instilled in Shirley values such as hard work, loyalty, and perseverance, which guided her through the many challenges she faced later in life. While Shirley preferred to keep much of her personal history private, it is clear that her early years in a supportive, religious household helped shape her resilient spirit.
Career and Achievements
Shirley Kyles was a woman of many talents. She had a notable career in the military, retiring as a Colonel and a combat veteran, a role that showed her strength and dedication beyond the music scene. Alongside her military service, Shirley was involved in music as a background singer, performing with Al Green’s group and contributing to his soulful sound. Her involvement in Al Green’s church was an important part of her life, reflecting her commitment to faith and community.
Beyond music and the military, Shirley was an advocate for victims of domestic abuse, openly sharing her personal experiences to inspire and help others in difficult situations. This work became a vital part of her legacy, highlighting her compassionate nature and desire to support those in need.
Meeting Al Green and Their Relationship
Shirley first met Al Green in 1976 at a Baptist church in Memphis, Tennessee. Although she had opened two of his concerts before, they had never met until that Sunday service. Their shared love for music and faith quickly brought them closer, and Shirley soon became a background singer for Al Green’s music group. Their relationship grew out of mutual respect and shared values, and in June 1977, after about a year of dating, they were married. Their wedding was a brief but meaningful ceremony held in the living room of a preacher’s house. Al Green’s romantic proposal just before the wedding, complete with a diamond ring, was a testament to their bond despite the challenges that awaited them.
Marriage Struggles and Divorce
Although Shirley and Al Green’s marriage started with love and promise, it soon became strained under the pressures of fame and personal difficulties. Al Green’s career was booming, but their relationship faced serious challenges, including reports of physical and emotional abuse. Shirley endured a painful and difficult marriage, trying twice to leave in 1978 and 1981 but returning because of her love for their children and fear of public judgment. Finally, in 1983, with the encouragement of other women who had faced similar abuse, Shirley gathered the courage to file for divorce. Her story highlights the complex and heartbreaking decisions many victims of abuse must make, showing her bravery in choosing safety and healing over silence.
Who Is Al Green?
Al Green, born Albert Leornes Greene on April 13, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas, is a legendary American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his soulful voice and timeless hits. Growing up in a large family of sharecroppers, he discovered his passion for music early and formed his first group in the 1960s. Despite early setbacks, including being kicked out of his family’s gospel group for pursuing popular music, Al Green rose to fame in the 1970s with classic songs like “Tired of Being Alone,” “Let’s Stay Together,” and “Love and Happiness.” His unique blend of soul, gospel, and R&B earned him multiple Grammy Awards and a lasting influence on American music.
Children and Family Life
Shirley Kyles and Al Green had three daughters together: Alva, Rubi, and Cora. Each daughter has followed her own path, influenced by their mother’s strength and resilience. Alva Green is a doctor working at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she has earned certifications and leads a team that promotes her medical and musical interests. She is active on Twitter, using her platform to speak on important social issues and share insights about life in Chicago. Rubi Green is more private but active on social media, sharing updates about her life with followers.
Cora Green, the youngest, is currently pursuing studies in Retail Management at the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sports Management. She maintains a low public profile but is focused on learning the business of customer service and store operations. Shirley’s role as a mother was central to her life, and she influenced her daughters to be strong, independent, and compassionate.
Later Life and Advocacy Work
After her divorce from Al Green, Shirley focused on healing and helping others. She pursued education in Christian counseling and theology, which allowed her to provide support to people going through similar struggles. Shirley became an advocate for domestic abuse victims, sharing her story to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help. She worked within her community to promote healing and empowerment, dedicating herself to this cause with the same strength she had shown throughout her life. Her advocacy helped many victims understand that they were not alone and that personal well-being should always come first. This chapter of her life brought her peace and purpose beyond the challenges of her past.
Death and Legacy
Shirley Kyles passed away on July 17, 2023, in Mobile, Alabama, at the age of 74. Her passing marked the end of a life filled with quiet courage and compassion. While often remembered primarily as the ex-wife of the legendary Al Green, Shirley’s legacy goes much deeper. She left behind a story of resilience, love, and hope, inspiring those who knew her and those who learned about her journey later. Her commitment to family, faith, and advocacy continues to resonate, ensuring that her influence will be felt for years to come.
Physical Appearance and Age
Shirley Kyles lived to be 74 years old. While there is limited public information about her physical appearance, those who knew her describe her as a strong and dignified woman whose presence reflected her inner strength and kindness. Her character and spirit were more defining than any physical traits, and she was admired for the courage and grace with which she lived her life.
Net Worth and Financial Status
There is no public record of Shirley Kyles’ net worth. However, it is known that Al Green, her ex-husband, has an estimated net worth of around $25 million, largely due to his successful career as a soul singer and songwriter. Shirley’s true wealth, however, was measured by her personal strength, her contributions to her community, and the legacy she left behind as a mother, advocate, and survivor rather than in monetary terms.
Conclusion
Shirley Kyles’ life was one of complexity and courage. Her story weaves together elements of faith, love, struggle, and triumph, creating a narrative that resonates with many. From her early days in a Baptist family to her role as a background singer and military officer, through a challenging marriage and ultimately to becoming an advocate for abused women, Shirley’s journey offers valuable lessons about resilience and the power of healing. Remembering her is a tribute not just to her life but to the strength of women everywhere who fight to reclaim their voice and live with dignity.
FAQs About Shirley Kyles
1. Who was Shirley Kyles?
Shirley Kyles was the ex-wife of famous soul singer Al Green. She was also a background singer, a retired military officer, and an advocate for domestic abuse victims.
2. When and where was Shirley Kyles born?
She was born on July 28, 1948, in Oregon, USA, and spent much of her childhood in Chicago.
3. How did Shirley Kyles meet Al Green?
They met in 1976 at a Baptist church in Memphis, Tennessee, where Shirley was a background singer and Al Green was involved in the church community.
4. When did Shirley Kyles and Al Green get married?
They got married in June 1977 in a short ceremony held at a preacher’s house.
5. Why did Shirley Kyles and Al Green get divorced?
Shirley filed for divorce in 1983 after enduring years of emotional and physical abuse during their marriage.
6. How many children did Shirley Kyles have with Al Green?
Shirley and Al Green had three daughters together: Alva, Rubi, and Cora.
7. When did Shirley Kyles pass away?
Shirley Kyles passed away on July 17, 2023, at the age of 74.
