I am sure for those of you that read this blog that you are now aware that the legendary Gil Scott-Heron recently passed. On Saturday evening when I first read the news I was a little surprised at just how deeply it saddened me. I sat at my desk in my studio thinking for a while, listening to some of his records in the background, and it dawned on me, this was not just the passing of another musical icon (which sadly seems to be almost a weekly occurrence), Gil Scott-Heron was the kind of artist that I truly look up to. He delivered his art on his own terms, never compromising, always at the cutting edge and left a mark on music that has already been incredibly influential in changing the way music is made and listened to across many genres. Add to that the consistency in his output had always been unquestionably high, even in his later releases (which I am sure I don’t have to mention cannot always be said in regards to many other artist that I also have been heavily influenced by over the years), and you get some sense that Gil Scott-Heron was someone very special.
Gil Scott-Heron Inner City Blues extended edit by Decades
I wanted to highlight a track of GSH's that wasn't sullen or sad. To demonstrate just how talented this man was, I have chosen to share a track of his that was originally recorded by the great Marvin Gaye. Not only does Gil do this song justice, he makes it his own, which many other artist have tried, and very few have succeeded. Rest In Power Gil Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011)
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