Jazz breaking news: Gil Scott-Heron Poet Of The Untelevised Revolution Dies At 62
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Influential in the early days of hip hop and since and commonly known as “the godfather of rap” but equally important to jazz as a stimulating voice of social commentary and dissent delivered against a laidback jazz-infused soundtrack, Gil Scott-Heron’s loss at 62 is a blow to the music especially as Scott-Heron had just achieved a comeback of some significance with I’m New Here.
Scott-Heron died yesterday in a New York hospital after reportedly returning from a European trip, and it was in Europe that he achieved considerable respect even in the days when drug abuse and prison had reduced Scott-Heron to a shadow of himself.
Born in Chicago, Scott-Heron’s father was later a footballer for Celtic in Glasgow although Scott-Heron lived with his mother after his parents divorced. He later went to Lincoln University where he met Brian Jackson who he would form a band with and collaborate importantly on the album Winter in America. Scott-Heron wrote a pair of novels which were republished by Scottish publisher Canongate in the 1990s but as a recording artist, working with former John Coltrane producer Bob Thiele at Flying Dutchman records, made an impact with Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, although it was Winter in America in 1974 that really built his reputation. Active in the anti-nuclear movement in the late-1970s he continued to record and also became involved in the anti-apartheid struggle.
After being dropped by Arista in the 80s, the following decade he made a critically acclaimed comeback with Spirits but his later career was affected by drug addiction and in 2001 he was imprisoned for possession of cocaine and also returned to jail in 2006. Last year’s album I’m New Here was received enthusiastically and Scott-Heron once again toured abroad including Britian. A remix has just appeared this year. Scott-Heron will be remembered for his wordplay, his critique of US society and many songs including ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’, ‘Johannesburg’, ‘The Bottle’, ‘Lady Day And John Coltrane’, and ‘Whitey On The Moon’. Influential on a new generation of rappers, including Kanye West and Common, he was unusual in that he appealed to the rap and jazz communities while also drawing in those who were attracted by his literary flourishes and oral skill. A great loss.
– Stephen Graham