Today we celebrate revolutionary poet and jazz musician Gilbert Scott-Heron. He is best known for his work ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’ which was featured on his debut LP, Small Talk at 125th and Lenox.
Gilbert’s music is a collection of proselytizing spoken words that urged black pride through black music. He delivered a militant commentary focusing on social injustice and political hypocrisy. Gilbert described himself as a “Black man dedicated to expression; expression of the joy and pride of Blackness.”
Born in Chicago, Gilbert moved to New York where he studied writing. Before the age of 20, he published his first novel called, The Vulture. He later met his music partner Brian Jackson from there his music career took off. In 1974, Gilbert was signed by Clive Davis and over the years he performed alongside Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Brown, Bob Dylan, Steve Van Zandt, RUN DMC, Lou Reed, Miles Davis, and more.
Gil passed away on May 27, 2011, due to health issues. His poetry and music influenced the world in a huge way. One of America’s most influential voices, Gilbert Scott-Heron.