We were gifted by God with a true genius especially in the etymological sense of genius meaning spirit. GSH has inspired uncountable persons around the world.

So much of what he said stands as prophetic - always another layer to peel away. Work such as his no matter how harsh the words and cutting through the fog, can only come through a profound love.

I am reminded of an observation passed down about Mother Theresa - her exhustion was not in being with those empoverished by the system, it was from those who refused to see.

Gil Scott Heron... Presente!

He will be greatly missed.

This man was a true prophet. He spoke to issues of social justice and human rights here in America. He was also one of the first artists to raise their voice on issues of the environment, the nuclear power industry, and the inhumane, racist, apartheid regime of South Africa. Gil Scott-Heron, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Curtis Mayfield in their recordings did more to raise the social consciousness of the African-American community in the 70's than any other artists I can think of. To this date I am still moved to tears when I hear the existential angst that Gil Scott-Heron expresses on "Pieces of a Man" from his classic album "Pieces of a Man".

This man is clearly deserving of wider recognition. But as stated in Luke 4:24 "Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country."

I'm glad he was with us, his words and wisdom were a sactuary from the madness. I will value the memories of him.

RIP.

My fav: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtBy_ppG4hY

(sigh). another great one. RIP GSH

Well said you beautiful cat, Gil Scott!

RIP GSH. You were an amazing brother who woke up so many with your poetry, erudition and music. It truly is winter in Amerika, brother.

Gil Scott-Heron "Pieces of a Man" from 1971 album "Pieces of a Man" www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VqGWfq0Btg

Jagged jigsaw pieces
Tossed about the room
I saw my grandma sweeping
With her old straw broom
But she didn't what she was doing
She could hardly understand
That she was really sweeping up..
Pieces of a man

I saw my daddy greet the mailman
And I heard the mailman say
"Now don't you take this letter to heart now Jimmy
Cause they've laid off nine others today"
But he didn't know what he was saying
He could hardly understand
That he was only talking to
Pieces of a man

I saw the thunder and heard the lightning!
And felt the burden of his shame
And for some unknown reason
He never turned my way

Pieces of that letter
Were tossed about that room
And now I hear the sound of sirens
Come knifing through the gloom
But they don't know what they are doing
They could hardly understand
That they're only arresting
Pieces of a man

I saw him go to pieces
I saw him go to pieces
He was always such a good man
He was always such a strong man
Yeah, I saw him go to pieces
I saw him go to pieces

I've been missing Gil Scott Heron for a long time. So sad to see his poor ravaged face in the latest video.

A better version of "Winter in America" than was posted:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRD6DsZ8IC0

"Pieces of A Man"--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VqGWfq0Btg

"Home Is where The Hatred Is"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOUMvjw9RlA&feature=related

GSH was not just a sarcastic "angry young man" (though he was that also). GSH produced timeless art that will survive his too short and self-tortured life.

Manning Marable, now Gil Scott-Heron... any other young black progressive thinkers and revolutionaries coming to an early demise out there recently? Anyone?