The most humble memoir ever written.  

From one of the most influential souls in the music business, this grammy lifetime achievement award recipient has worked along side some of the greatest there ever were.  Evoking a coolness he perfected during his era; his voice, style, charisma, charm and talent touched the youths of the inner city and the big wigs at Carnegie Hall.  The brother was bad!  But again, he wrote this autobiography with a gratefulness thanks for being able to share his message and please.  

This memoir chronicles his rise, culminating with his band being the opening act for Stevie Wonder in 1980 as they toured the U.S. in an effort to make Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday a national holiday.  Obviously it was effective and his impact and efforts will not go unnoticed with “The Last Holiday” enacted into law forever.

“See that Black Boy over there running scared, his old man’s got a problem.  And it’s a bad one.” This cut, ‘The Bottle,’ is just so enjoyable to listen to (who uses a flute) that the sadness of the lyrics go unnoticed.  Only to an extent because its gritty base and raspy voiced rhyme sets it on 125th, mid seventies, dirty, reality but hopeful.

‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’ is an anthem to mind, action then results.  Don’t listen to the blowhard, the real revolution begins in the mind and spirits of those serious about change.  The quiet one is brewing a storm.  And this cut caused people to think, take a step back and analyze before action.  Don’t always advertise your next move.  Plot, plan then execute.

A voice of his generation that carried through timelessly to the present towards the future.  Gil Scott-Heron was the gatekeeper and undercurrent to the soulfulness that has survived til this day.  Just the way he lived his life – humbly, no need for fanfare and pleased that his efforts were enjoyed.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *