Save the Children

Gil Scott Heron (b. 1949) struck a chord with this powerful and always relevant song. The album (1971) upon which it appears is extremely high level. It was recognized almost immediately as a profound and urgent call for action.



The Intruders offer their worthy cover (1972):



Now dig Gil and his band as they open it up in a live performance:

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - "Cane" (1978)

Another deep masterpiece from the great master, Gil Scott Heron (b. 1949). I can't put it down and just keep playing it.

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - "Willing" (1980)

Here is an upbeat, serious song that I've been groovin' to over the last few weeks. It comes from the great Gil Scott-Heron (b. 1949) and Brian Jackson (b. ?, though he's still around B"H) I hope you can dig it so that we can still be friends...

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - "17th Street" (1976)

Here is a happy one from the master (and his long-time collaborator Brian Jackson) for the weekend. We should merit to get down.

Gil Scott-Heron - "Gun" (1981)

This one is hip and helpful. It comes from the frequently played great Gil Scott Heron (b. 1949). The song tells the blues of the society, a violent society, in which we (in the United States) live. Although the song dates from early in the Reagan presidency, it remains relevant today, perhaps even more than it was in 1981. Since that year, which saw the destruction of Saddam Hussein's nuclear capacity (note: on this date 2 years ago this particular tyrant (al-Tikriti) was executed), we have observed lots of decline in American culture, like the emergence of gangsta rap, to cite a particularly pernicious example.

Gil Heron (1922-2008)

Mr. Heron was a famous footballer from Jamaica who played the sport in the United Kingdom. He is relevant to me because his son is the well-known master of American music, Gil Scott-Heron (b. 1949). I quote from an article by someone who knows more...

"He was known as The Black Arrow for his style and speed, and cut a handsome figure in the drab industrial landscape of 1950s Glasgow. As a black man, he attracted attention. So did his clothes — zoot suits, trilby hats and yellow shoes. Gil Heron, Celtic’s first black player and one of the first in British football, revelled in his role as a dandy. "
Condolences to Gil Scott.

Positive Thinking 1973-74

These classics echo into our time and can teach us so much, so dig this music with a message. The first song, "Peace Go With You,..Brother" is from 1974 and the artist is the great Gil Scott-Heron (b. 1949). The second song, "Brother's Gonna Work It Out" by the capable Willie Hutch (1944-2005) is from the soundtrack of the movie "The Mack" (1973). It is dialogue from the movie that can be heard at the beginning of the song.

GIL SCOTT HERON "When You Are Who You Are" (1971)

Now that we're free, let us follow this message.

Home Is Where the Hatred Is

This song is real cool, dig. "A junkie walking through the twilight, I'm on my way home." The artist is the great Gil Scott-Heron (b. 1949) and the song dates from 1971. The cover is worthy. The lady that sang it was Esther Phillips (1935-1984).

NYC (Don't Know Why I Love You) by Gil Scott Heron

This is a hip song and it fits perfectly on the matter. Listen carefully and dig.

GIL SCOTT HERON - "IS THAT JAZZ" live (1-20-08)

I was at this show (1-20-08 in NYC) and it was classic. I randomly heard on WNYC that he was performing for MLK Jr. Day and I bought the ticket. He is a living legend and a big influence on my life. I first heard his Winter in America (1974) album that my parents had, and in the 9th grade the family went to see him live in a club that no longer exists in Emeryville, California. I bought his 1994 album Spirits and the rest is history. I encourage everybody to investigate the matter further and dig it in your own time. After all you don't really have a choice, his music is fundamental to the story of music in America in the last generation. All who can afford it must purchase the album Winter in America (1974) and put it on their ipods and take it in.