Gil Scott-Heron
Acting
Biography
Gilbert "Gil" Scott-Heron was an American soul and jazz poet, musician, and author, known primarily for his work as a spoken-word performer in the 1970s and 1980s. His collaborative efforts with musician Brian Jackson featured a musical fusion of jazz, blues, and soul, as well as lyrical content concerning social and political issues of the time, delivered in both rapping and melismatic vocal styles by Scott-Heron. He defined himself as a "bluesologist".
Born: April 1, 1949
Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Known For
Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music
Untold stories behind the culture-defining and newsmaking musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years.
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded like never before.
How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It)
Melvin Van Peebles was one of the first black directors to challenge the white establishment in his films, which include "Watermelon Man" and "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." In this documentary, the life of Van Peebles is discussed, including his work not only in film, but also as a novelist, actor, musician, stock trader and even Air Force pilot. Interview subjects include Gil Scott-Heron, Spike Lee and Melvin's son and fellow filmmaker, Mario Van Peebles.
Saturday Night Live
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.
MTV Unplugged
MTV's acclaimed music series showcases today's top artists and rising stars in the industry performing acoustic versions of their songs.
No Nukes
Filmed account of the five MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) concerts at Madison Square Garden and an outdoor rally at Battery Park in New York protesting the dangers of nuclear power. Performers include Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Carly Simon, and the Doobie Brothers.
Is That Jazz: A Mug-Shot Afterthought
Documentary about Gil Scott-Heron.
Black Wax
Gil Scott-Heron, one of rap's earliest (and unfortunately unknown) pioneers, gets his full due in Black Wax, the 1982 documentary recently reissued on video. Interspliced between performance footage of Scott-Heron and his Midnight Band are vignettes of him walking around Washington D.C., spouting his views on then-President Reagan (dubbed "Ray-Gun") and generally dropping knowledge. The live performance features many of Scott-Heron's best-known hits, including "Johannesburg," "Winter in America," and "Angel Dust," among others. Warm, intelligent, and insightful throughout, Scott-Heron is clearly enjoying himself and the opportunity to espouse his views. A must for any fan of Scott-Heron's, and definitely worth a look for fans of the funkier jazz music of the mid to late 1970's.
Freedom Beat
On January 5, 1988, Artists Against Apartheid held a huge show in London to protest against the racist regime in South Africa, demanding the release of Nelson Mandela, jailed for 25 years for fighting to end prejudice against black people. British musicians like Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello and Sting joined beloved bands like Style Council and Big Audio Dynamite, and black musicians of the calibre of Sade, Hugh Masekela, Maxi Priest and Princess, to show the world that there is no more tolerance. for racism.
Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Gil Scott-Heron was one of the most influential musicians and poets of the last 50 years. In Don Letts's documentary, Gil tells his own story for the first time-from being one of the first black children to integrate an all white Southern state school to becoming the Godfather of Rap. There are contributions from Chuck D, Mos Def, Richi Havens and the Last Poets, among others. Filmed in October 2003, Gil performs live and recites poetry out on the streets of Harlem, which have inspired so much of his music.
Filmography
as Self (archive footage)
as Self (archive footage)
as Self (archive footage)
as Self
as Self
as Himself
as Self
as Self - Musical Guest