Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Morning sun shining through the camphor trees in Burbank March 2011
A music pioneer has passed on. Poet and spoken-word musician, Gil Scott-Heron, died in a New York City hospital yesterday at the age of 62. He reportedly became ill after returning from a European trip.
Scott-Heron became famous for his well-known song, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” from his first album “125th and Lenox” (1970). Other versions of the composition appeared on the artist’s other albums including “Pieces of a Man” (1971).
Scott-Heron was known for his songs that spoke of social and political issues. He’s considered an inspiration for many of the rap and hip hop artists of today. I will remember Scott-Heron for his heartfelt songs about the simple pleasures of everyday living. Here’s an excerpt from one of my favorites.
Gil Scott-Heron “I think I’ll Call it Morning” from “Pieces of a Man” Album (1971)
I’m gonna take myself a piece of sunshine
And paint it all over my sky
Be no rain…
Be no rain…
I’m gonna take the song from every bird
And make em sing it just for me
Bird’s got something to teach us all
About bein free, yeah
Be no rain…
Be no rain…
And I think I’ll call it morning
From now on
Why should I survive on sadness
And tell myself I got to be alone
Why should I subscribe to this world’s madness
Knowing I’ve got to live on
Knowing I’ve got to live on
Knowing I’ve got to live on
Yeah I think I’ll call it morning
From now on
###
