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Gil Scott-Heron Dead at 62

Posted May 28th 2011 3:40PM by Georgette Cline
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Gil Scott-Heron, renowned musician and hip-hop pioneer has died at age 62. 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' author passed away in New York from causes that are currently unknown.

The news of Heron's death came by way of Twitter, through Jamie Byng, his UK publisher. "Just heard the very sad news that my dear friend and one of the most inspiring people I've ever met, the great Gil Scott-Heron, died today," Byng wrote Friday (May 28).

Heron was known for his work as a spoken word performer in the 1970s and '80s. The entertainer collaborated with musician Brian Jackson on a number of albums including 'Winter in America,' 'Get Back,' The First Minute of a New Day' and 'From South Africa to South Carolina,' among others. His solo studio albums included works like 'Small Talk at 125th and Lenox,' 'Pieces of a Man,' 'Free Will' and 'Winter in America,' to name a few.

Despite his battle with cocaine and his HIV infection, the icon never let that deter his spirit or quiet his voice, combining music and poetry and inspiring many artists after him to include spoken-word artistry into their music.

Heron's death has not gone unnoticed in the hip-hop community, as veteran MC Chuck D, of Public Enemy, took to his Twitter account to express his sentiments on the passing of a true legend. "RIP GSH..and we do what we do and how we do because of you.And to those that don't know tip your hat with a hand over your heart & recognize," Chuck D wrote.

Gil Scott-Heron is survived by his wife, Brenda Sykes, and daughter, Gia.

Watch Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx's 'I'll Take Care Of U'

Download Gil Scott-Heron Songs | Buy Gil Scott-Heron Albums

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News
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5 Comments

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greg tomeoni

Gil Scott Heron and The Egyptians (say it loud)
original link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvMb9qfX5HY

Also on the home page at Dick Gregory's amazing and informative website
http://www.dickgregory.com

Dear Rolling Stone Magazine and Readers,
It was was 40 years from the time Gil Scott Heron recorded the sound track on this mix until Barack Obama's election as president of the United States and yet, even in January of this year, 2011, his words seem to express the emotion of the moment. A poet to be sure.

May 29 2011 at 2:21 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

kenmaskmen

In 1979 Gil Scott-Heron was so impressed with my poems and rap song titled: "The Gigolo Rap" that he asked me to perform it on stage with him on Jackson State University Campus in Jackson Mississippi., Just think the first Original rapper, Gil Scott-Heron on stage at the same time with the first Original Southern rapper, Kenny "K-Dove" Willis. My song "The Gigolo Rap" went on to inspire Capitol Records R&B Singer, O'Bryan O'Bryan hit song titled: "The Gigolo". I now look back at that exact moment and realized that we both was making Hip Hop music history. I would like to thank you Mr. Gil Scott-Heron for the wonderful opportunity that you gave me. RIP my brother. Superhero love & peace...The Original "Blade" trilogy Producer & Cartoonist, Rapper, Ken "K-Dove" Willis"

May 29 2011 at 10:30 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

gregory

One of the few rappers that actually had something to say ... You will be Missed!!!

May 29 2011 at 6:19 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

bellautica5104

Gil Scott-Heron was an educator, prophet and Poet. He found his calling and did his job well. He delivered the message through the genius of his talents. Brother Gil was not about the bling, fortune or fame. He was teacher and taught from his heart. His vision, poetry,music and life was his lesson plan which will continue to inspire those who know and come to know his legacy. He was "for real and kept the message alive ... that we are still in a struggle for justic,equality and serenity. My heart goes to his family , friends and fans. I grieve with you and feel the pain of our lost. and a tthe same time, rejoice that he now is at last free.
A.J.Bell

May 29 2011 at 12:41 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mariooshi

Such a loss, not only to the music world, but to the whole world. His compositions became anthems for millions. One of my cultural icons forever. Nobody, before or since, will ever match Gil's honesty, political instinct, and lyrical magic. The revolutionaries are dying off...and nobody's taking their places. Gil, maybe you can "never go home," but you will always be at home in my heart.

May 28 2011 at 4:11 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply