Poet, musician and author Gil Scott-Heron has died. Known best for the spoken word recording “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” Scott-Heron spoke about social issues and consciousness in his music. He was 62.
Reports indicate that Scott-Heron died on Friday at St. Luke’s Hospital after coming back from Europe and falling ill.
His two most notable albums, “Winter in America” and “Pieces of a Man,” were released in the early 1970s but influenced hip hop and neo-soul in later years. Scott-Heron had been active until his death with his last album being released in February 2010 titled “I’m New Here.”
Music writers referred to Scott-Heron as “the godfather of rap.” In his over 40-year career he released 24 albums and authored six books. Some of his biggest influences included Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, Malcolm X and Billie Holiday.
Scott-Heron was born in Chicago, Ill. and grew up in Jackson, Tenn. At age 13 he moved to New York City settling in the Bronx. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School and later The Fieldston School. He also attended the historically Black Lincoln University.