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Chuck Koton wrote on July 20, 2011 reportGreat essay on an important voice in Amerika back in the day...Sorry to read that you, like so many people, "outgrew" political consciousness...it's a sad state of affairs that afflicts most people who "mature" and get on with more "meaningful? " activities...
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Yul B Moore wrote on July 20, 2011 report
Very candid article. Many great artist have fallen to their demons. It's just shows how relentless the dark forces becomes when one is on the path to greatness. Marvin Gaye went from the high's of his What's Going On LP (arguably one of the greatest LP's of all time) to a crack addicted man at the end. We all fight our demons daily. So I will miss the era of GSH. I already miss the musical era of the 70's. Listening to the smooth jazz that dominates the airways today is boring. And the direction of Hip Hop and R&B isn't worthy of commentary. Rest in peace brother Gil
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Willis Stanley Evans wrote on July 23, 2011 report
I will have to respectfully disagree. GS-H IS A HERO. The fact that he was willing to speak out against much that was and is troubling about the US socio-economic status quo, even modestly predicting the current economic decline by emphasizing our decline as a manufacturer economy, will qualify him. He output declined after 1994 or so. I suppose the demons caught up with him around then. That he was unable to do this for his entire life is difficult for mere mortals to accept, but his flame burned too hot for him to stand. And what sexy temptations might he have had to deal with DAILY? And friends saying, "Try this man...it won't hurt you."? He never blamed anyone else for his failings. But he had help... Today, another interesting artist was overcome by lifestyle choices: RIP Amy Winehouse. In my mind fame increases the chances you will die sooner instead of later. Yes. Gil with his Master's degree SHOULD NOT have become a cracked out AIDS/HIV stat. But life is life...crap happens. You deal with it. Some of us who have had perfect lives can not understand that. Sometimes you fail. I own GS-H's entire discography save 125th Street and Lenox. I will get it soon. Most important about his work as an artist is the width of his subject matter and the depth of his analysis of whatever topic he approached. Consider his ability to make a walk in the park as meaningful artistically as the Watergate scandal. Not many artists ever put life to music quite like the now departed and peaceful Gil Scott-Heron!! RIP Gil and I wish you had been up to the task of commenting on the mess our business leaders and politicians have gotten us into today in the name of greed and profit. Nevertheless, "I'm New Here" is a strong last work. Thoughtful and thought provoking article Mr. Winbush. Thanks.
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Keith D. Jones wrote on July 26, 2011 report
As a San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area native, I would catch Gil whenever he would come to town back in the 70's and 80's. Seeing him perform live was a treat. Always enjoyed his interaction with the audience while performing; his live performances were the perfect intersection of great lyrics and great music, evenly and smoothly woven together to form the perfect synthesis of sight, sound, and thought provoking phrases. GSH wll definitely be missed, and this current generation of musicians and fans missed out on a great one ...
