Barack Obama Helps Al Green Sales Increase By 490%
Friday, 27 January 2012
Written by Elliott Batte
American soul singer Al Green has sold more than 20million records worldwide, but has seen sales of his megahit classic ‘Let’s Stay Together’ rise by almost 500% in the past week – after Barack Obama gave an impromptu performance of the track during a fundraising event in New York last Thursday (January 19th).
Obama’s short rendition of the song can be seen in the embedded YouTube video below, and was witnessed by a large crowd – including legendary singer Green himself. Now, Billboard has reported that sales of the track have increased hugely – making the seven days the best week of download sales the track has seen since SoundScan started noting downloads back in 2003.
Obama helped Green shift over 16,000 downloads for the week ending on January 22nd, meaning sales had increased by 490% from the week before – despite the track coming out over 40 years ago in 1971.
Following his performance, Obama pointed to the side of the stage and said: “Those guys didn’t think I would do it! I told you I was going to do it!” He then pointed to Al Green himself and joked: “Don't worry Rev, I cannot sing like you, but I just wanted to show my appreciation.”
According to reports, President Obama raised $3.1million during the event in New York.
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