Wiki: Gil Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011[1]) was an American poet, musician, and author known primarily for his late 1970s and early 1980s work as a spoken word performer and his collaborative soul works with musician Brian Jackson. His collaborative efforts with Jackson featured a musical fusion of jazz, blues and soul music, as well as lyrical content concerning social and political issues of the time, delivered in both rapping and melismatic vocal styles by Scott-Heron. The music of these albums, most notably Pieces of a Man and Winter in America in the early 1970s, influenced and helped engender later African-American music genres such as hip hop and neo soul. Scott-Heron’s recording work is often associated with black militant activism and has received much critical acclaim for one of his most well-known compositions “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised“. His poetic style has been influential upon every generation of hip hop since his popularity began.[2] In addition to being widely considered an influence in today’s music, Scott-Heron remained active until his death, and in 2010 released his first new album in 16 years, entitled I’m New Here.
Rest in peace, Mr. Scott-Heron.
Keep the music/poetry, genius coming, folks…
WOW! How did I forget this song? It brings back so many memories…but what’s really interesting is that the message is STILL relevant in 2011.
Yes; the message is timeless.
*looking@cornelwest*
*looking@tavissmiley*
Gil Scott-Heron, Poet And Musician, Has Died
09:38 pmMay 27, 2011
by DAOUD TYLER-AMEEN
Gil Scott-Heron died Friday afternoon in New York, his book publisher reported. He was 62. The influential poet and musician is often credited with being one of the progenitors of hip-hop, and is best known for the spoken-word piece “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.”
http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2011/05/27/136731274/gil-scott-heron-poet-and-musician-has-died
This is such sad news! Gil Scott-Heron was a prolific artist who spoke boldly about social issues in this country. He had a unique way of painting portraits for his audience through which could make you you really reflect on what had been said–long after the songs were over. Two of my favorite songs were: Winter in America and He was truly a Master of the Spoken Word.
My favorite songs were: Message to the Messenger and Winter in America.
Truly a Master of the Spoken Word! Rest In Peace, Gil Scott-Heron…
Here’s Message to the Messengers:
My apologies for the duplication…
Powerful…. Gil was the truest of poets. Thanks for posting your favorites, creolechild.
Thank you for allowing me to post my favorites from Gil Scott-Heron. Back in the day I went to a concert featuring him and The Last Poets. He mingled with the audience during his break and astounded us with his knowledge of history and perspectives about where this country was headed. It made me want to learn more about what was going on in the world…and for that I thank him because years later I’m still learning…
Knowledge IS power…that can’t be taken away from you!
I too saw Gil Scott-Heron live. he made me fall in love with poetry. Really fall in love with writing it, and I married a poet too. His truth is marching on.
I know, I know…I was supposed to be gone. I just wanted to add a few more songs to Gil Scott-Heron’s page:
Here is a very beautiful but haunting song that I used to love:
It’s called Rivers of My Fathers.
This is a fairly new song called NY is Killing Me.
This is the last one; it’s called Your Daddy Loves You.
LOoooove. Looove. LOVE
your blog!!
Hello there, Opulent!
So nice to see you! I hope all is well! You have been in my heart! 3 Chics missed you! Thank you for dropping by! Please come often! :)
Sup, Opulent?
Rest in peace, Gil Scott-Heron!
Interesting, because in the 21st century, the revolution in Egypt, Tunisia, Lybia,et.al have been televised on cell phones and Youtube.
THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED!