Gil Scott-Heron was a groundbreaking American musician, poet, and author renowned for his work as a spoken word performer in the 1970s and 1980s. His work is often associated with black protest culture and has been a significant influence on subsequent genres such as hip-hop and neo-soul. Born on April 1, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, Scott-Heron spent his later formative years in the Bronx, New York. He attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania—an institution chosen partly to follow the footsteps of his literary idol Langston Hughes—and began writing and performing during these college years.

Scott-Heron's narratively rich and socially conscious spoken word poetry combined with jazz and blues influences set him apart in the music world. His most well-known composition, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," is a searing critique of mass media and a call to social activism, encapsulating his philosophy that change is forged in the streets, not on the TV screen. Throughout his career, he released music that touched on issues such as political rights, racism, and the African-American experience, with notable works including "Johannesburg," highlighting the apartheid struggles in South Africa, and "The Bottle," discussing alcohol abuse. Despite battling personal demons and a long struggle with addiction, Gil Scott-Heron's voice remained influential until his passing on May 27, 2011. His work has continued to be celebrated and rediscovered by new generations, leading to posthumous releases like "We're New Again - A Reimagining by Makaya McCraven" and "Nothing New," which reveal the timeless quality of his artistry.

Genres

Afrobeat

Afropop

Conscious Hip Hop

Funk

Jazz Funk

Political Hip Hop

Slam Poetry

Soul

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Common

The Roots

Marvin Gaye

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Curtis Mayfield

Talib Kweli

The Last Poets

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Thundercat

Latest Release

Legend In His Own Mind (Live, Bremen, 1983)

Gil Scott-Heron

Album - 19 Tracks - Released July 28, 2023