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Dig Music Home > Music News > Gil Scott-Heron 1949 – 2011

Gil Scott-Heron 1949 – 2011

Gil Scott-Heron
May 30, 2011 Updated Jun 3, 2011

Musician and poet Gil Scott-Heron has died at the age of 62.

Even though he was known as the Godfather of Rap, he reportedly disapproved of the title, preferring to describe what he did as "bluesology" – a fusion of poetry, soul, blues and jazz, soaked in social conscience and with strong political messages.

Scott-Heron was HIV positive and battled drug addiction throughout his career. In 2006 he began an 18-month sentence for cocaine possession, and in a 2009 interview he admitted that it was this jail term which forced him to confront the reality of his situation.

Source: Rolling Stone external link

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Artist Biography

Fromwikipedia

Gilbert "Gil" Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949 - May 27, 2011) was an American soul and jazz poet, musician, and author, known primarily for his work as a spoken word performer in the 1970s and '80s. His collaborative efforts with musician Brian Jackson featured a musical fusion of jazz, blues, and soul, as well as lyrical content concerning social and political issues of the time, delivered in both...

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May 30, 2011. 10:40am
uteman recommended this

Comments

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On May 30, 2011. 1:42pm
Sassacass said

So sad, such an inspiring artist has left us...:(

On May 31, 2011. 1:42am
Warrick said

Sorry to learn of this great man's passing.
Spirits got to me !

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