Gil Scott-Heron died on Friday May 27th at the age of 62. (News Article from Georgia Public Broadcasting)
I grew up around a soul music radio station at a time when you pretty much played whatever you want. Unlike todays limited playlist programmed crap that poses for radio in most of the US. And the people I knew who were Disc Jockeys at that station became legends for the region, they were just like the Frankie Crockers of NY and Herb Kents of Chicago.
I say that because at that time growing up I was exposed to recordings from people like Gil Scott-Heron, The Last Poets and the deepest album cuts from a Curtis Mayfield, James Brown or family friend Isaac Hayes. The kind of stuff that wasn't "mainstream" and many would call radical today. But oh was there some talent and a sense of pride in those records. They didn't promote violence or drug use but they admitted that those were REAL problems in the neighborhood. And the real true talent of REAL musicians.
Even though Scott-Heron had problems in his personal life, he was true to his form of art. And yes he does leave a legacy. A STRONG LEGACY.
Rest IN Peace Gil Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949-May 27, 2011)
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"
"The Bottle"
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