Gil Scott-Heron: Revolutionary Bluesologist

A tribute to Gil Scott-Heron, who died on this day in 2011, dubbed as the 'Godfather of Rap', and the 'black Dylan'; he preferred the self-termed: 'Bluesologist'; certainly a much loved and respected poet-musician. 

With a jolting shock I read a quote in an article in the Guardian by Paul Lester, 2015 that referred to him as 'a poet who spoke about what was wrong with society, especially now when cops are killing black people'; just hours after the news of Black American, George Floyd's death, by an officer of 'law enforcement'. 

Most known for his composition: 'The Revolution will not be Televised', which appeared on his debut live album: Small Talk at 125th & Lenox, written and performed when he was just 21. 

I learned he'd written a novel when he was 20, and that he'd achieved an M.A. in Creative Writing at John Hopkins University. 

I can feel an ache in my heart as I write about him; a grieving spirit. He had had many struggles throughout his life: Love was not an active verb in my family or in my life; and an addiction to drugs that brought about a term of imprisonment for possession of cocaine, as well as other life-impacting issues. For an artist of any kind all that can used as material for one's craft, and a means of processing the pain; and, hopefully, bring about inner peace. He spoke to the people; and his message resonated.   

 

The colour of our skin should make absolutely no difference to how we are treated; we all deserve respect - we're all human beings; all belong to the same human race. But, God knows, we could do with more like Gil Scott-Heron - so very sorely missed at this time. 

R.I.P. Gil & your brother George Floyd.