Yesterday through Twitter a message was released by British Publisher, Jamie Byng departed this cruel world at the age of 62. For those of you who aren't familiar with Gil Scott Heron, he was a poet and recording artist whose syncopated spoken style and mordant critiques of politics, racism and mass media in pieces like “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” made him a notable voice of black protest culture in the 1970s and an important early influence on hip-hop.
Gil was known for his work in the late 60's and early 70's. He was also associated with The Africa American Militant activism. "The Revolution" is what established Gil Scott-Heron as a rising star of the black culture. In fact, he had a huge influence on early rap groups such as Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions. “You can go into Ginsberg and the Beat poets and Dylan, but Gil Scott-Heron is the manifestation of the modern word,” Chuck D., the leader of Public Enemy, told The New Yorker in 2010. “He and the Last Poets set the stage for everyone else.” He spoke the words that the alcoholic, junkie, prostitute, pimp, gambler, con artist and every other cruelty that lurks the souls of black people.
In the mid 1970's he married actress Brenda Sykes. The couple had a daughter named, Gia Scott-Heron. She too is a spoken word artist/poet. Sadly, a few years after being married the couple divorced. Yet, in still Gil Scott-Heron is a legend and will never be forgotten. So, instead of mourning his death let's celebrate his life. I thank you so much for visiting my site and may God continue to bless you abundantly in all that you do...Peace..
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