RIP Gil Scott-Heron


He was a singular talent and a huge influence on many artists who came after him. I was 11 when I first heard The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, and I've dug GSH ever since. Time to dig out the vinyl for a tribute listen.

David
armstrod
No Hodu, he was not talking about you. If we stop and think, we know who he was talking about. The people on FDL know who he was talking about. Thanks to the computer, and dumb talk shows, the people he was talking about have identified themselves.

I'm sure he would have been insulted to be called a "rapper". He made very thoughtful social commentary and I believe he died of a broken heart because of the lack of change. I'm sure he expected things to get better. He's at peace at last. I will always have fond memories of GSH.
One of the great and all too rare music artist that really had a message in the music. Thankfully America, although not perfect, is a better place, in part to artist like GSH.
I was sad to hear of his passing. Seeing a "Black Movement" icon like him pass away reminds me of my own mortality.
I was sad to hear of his loss as well. In honor of Mr. Scott-Herron, I'm currently listening to an album of his that I purchased as a kid. "Pieces of a Man." Still has the shrink wrap on it and the price sticker. For those that remember, the sticker is Licorice Pizza's and the price is $4.98. Record company was Flying Dutchman Productions,Ltd. Release date is 1971.

Even as a kid and; therefore, much before my audiophile days, I remember being impressed with the recording quality. His picture is on the cover. But obviously, he looks a lot younger than he does on his current release.

Regarding the rapper comparison. I guess I can see that in terms of much of his singing sometimes seems more like talking with musical accompaniment.

Not sure what genre I would put him in. Sometimes think of him as more toward jazz, or something like War.

I still enjoy his music though. Whatever the genre.