Gil Scott-Heron RIP

(April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011)

It's sad day for music after Gil Scott-Heron died yesterday afternoon (May 27, 2011) at St. Luke's Hospital, New York City, after becoming sick upon returning from a European trip. It's unclear at this stage as to the cause of death. Gil will always be a legend, from his early humble beginnings, his music has influenced so many artists. He was attracting a new generation of fans following the release of his amazing comeback album I'm New Here last year and the excellent follow-up We Are New Here with Jamie xx.

Gil has made some incredible albums, most notably Pieces of a Man and Winter in America in the early 1970s, influenced and helped engender later African-American music genres such as hip hop and neo soul. This track Save the Children has alway been a favourite taken from the Pieces Of A Man LP.

Public Enemy's Chuck D stated "RIP GSH..and we do what we do and how we do because of you."