Gil Scott-Heron

American jazz poet, singer, musician and author Gil Scott-Heron was born in Chicago to a Jamaican-American family. His writing ability was noted by adults around him early on, which granted him a full scholarship in a private school. It was in college that he formed the band Black & Blues with fellow musician Brian Jackson. During that period, Scott-Heron wrote two novels, to positive reviews. He went on to teach literature and creative writing at the University of the District of Columbia. He recorded his first record in 1970 and remained a prolific artist throughout his entire life, both in music and writing, known by his political consciousness, poetic sensibilities and spoken word skills. He has also appeared in films such as "Black Wax" (1982) and had his music featured in many more, like in "Dope" (2015), "Demolition" (2016), "First Man" (2018) and "The Many Saints of Newark" (2021). Scott-Heron passed away in 2011, at age 62. For his body of work, he has since been considered the godfather of rap, and a precursor of political rap. His legacy has impacted a vast number of writers, academics and musicians, from indie rock to hip hop.