Gil Scott-Heron

Gilbert Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011) was an American jazz poet, singer, musician and author. He became well known in the 1970s and 1980s for his spoken-word performances. These performances mixed jazz, blues, and soul music with messages about important social and political topics. One of his most famous works, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised", had a jazz-soul beat and influenced many musicians, especially in hip hop music.

Scott-Heron’s music, especially from albums like Pieces of a Man and Winter in America, helped shape later styles of African-American music, including hip hop and neo soul. Critics praised his work and called him an important influence on rap music. He kept making music his whole life and released a new album, I'm New Here, in 2010.

After he passed away, Scott-Heron received several honors. In 2012, he was given a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his early influence on music. Today, his story and music are part of exhibits at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Early years

Gil Scott-Heron was born in Chicago. His mother, Bobbie Scott, was an opera singer who performed with the Oratorio Society of New York. His father, Gil Heron, called "The Black Arrow", was a Jamaican footballer. He was the first black man to play for Celtic F.C. in Glasgow, Scotland.

When Gil was young, his parents separated. He went to live with his grandmother in Jackson, Tennessee. After she passed away, he moved to The Bronx in New York City.

He attended DeWitt Clinton High School and later The Fieldston School, where he earned a scholarship. After high school, he went to Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania. There, he met Brian Jackson and they formed a band called Black & Blues. Scott-Heron was inspired by the Black Arts Movement. He later earned a master's degree in creative writing from Johns Hopkins University. He also taught literature and writing at University of the District of Columbia while continuing his music career.

Recording career

Gil Scott-Heron started his music career in 1970 with the album Small Talk at 125th and Lenox. This album had spoken words and songs about important topics. One of the poems was called "Whitey on the Moon".

In 1971, he released another album called Pieces of a Man. This one had more traditional songs. He worked with many talented musicians. Later, he released songs like "Johannesburg", which spoke out against unfair treatment.

Scott-Heron also performed live and talked about important issues. He was an important voice for change and is considered one of the early founders of rap music because of his powerful words and messages.

Later years

In 2001, Scott-Heron was sent to a New York State prison for having something he was not allowed to have. He was released in 2003, the same year a film about him was shown on BBC TV. In 2006, he was sent to prison again for leaving a drug rehabilitation center without permission. After he was released in 2007, he began performing live shows again and worked on new music.

In 2010, he released an album called I'm New Here, his first new studio album in many years. The album was praised by critics for its honest and thoughtful style. A remix version of the album, We're New Here, came out in 2011, and a third album from the same recording sessions, Nothing New, was released in 2014.

Death

Gil Scott-Heron was a talented musician and poet. He passed away on May 27, 2011, in New York City. He had shared health challenges publicly before he died.

Many famous artists and friends paid tribute to him after his death. A memorial service was held where musicians performed songs in his honor. He was buried in Kensico Cemetery in New York.

After his death, family members worked through courts to resolve questions about his estate. The court later decided that all his children are legal heirs to his estate.

Influence and legacy

Gil Scott-Heron’s work has inspired many writers, musicians, and artists. His unique style helped shape modern music genres like hip hop and neo soul. Music writers often call him “the godfather of rap” and compare him to famous singer Bob Dylan.

Famous singer Jay Kay of Jamiroquai once performed a song with Scott-Heron and said he was a huge influence. Writers and critics have praised how Scott-Heron mixed jazz, soul, and poetry to talk about important social issues. His music and words have inspired many artists over the years, including modern rappers and musicians. Today, his songs are still used and admired by many in the music world.

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

Compilation albums

Film scores

• The Baron (1977) — with Brian Jackson and Barnett Williams

Charted songs