He began recording in 1970 with the LP Small Talk at 125th and Lenox with the assistance of Bob Thiele Flying Dutchman Records, co-writer Brian Jackson, Hubert Laws, Bernard Purdie (who later recorded "Delights of the Garden" with The Last Poets), Charlie Saunders, Eddie Knowles, Ron Carter and Bert Jones, all jazz musicians (see 1970 in music). The album included the aggressive diatribe against white-owned corporate media and middle-class America's ignorance of the problems of inner cities in songs such as Whitey On The Moon.
The 1971 Pieces of a Man used more conventional song structures than the loose, spoken word feel of his first, though he didn't reach the charts until 1975 with "Johannesburg". His biggest hit was 1978's "The Bottle", produced by Heron and longtime partner Brian Jackson, which peaked at #15 on the R&B charts (see 1978 in music).
In 2001, Gil Scott-Heron was sentenced to one to three years' imprisonment in New York State for possession of cocaine. While out of jail in 2002, he appeared on the Blazing Arrow album by Blackalicious. He was released on parole in 2003. On July 5, 2006, Scott-Heron was sentenced to two to four years in a New York State prison for violating a plea deal on a drug-possession charge by leaving a drug rehabilitation center. Scott-Heron's sentence was to run until July 13, 2009. He was paroled on May 23, 2007. The reason given for the violation of his plea was that the clinic refused to supply Scott-Heron with HIV medication. This story led to the presumption that the artist is HIV positive.
After his release, Scott-Heron began performing live again, starting with a show at SOBs in New York on September 13, 2007. On stage, he stated that he and his musicians were working on a new album and that he had resumed writing a book titled The Last Holiday, previously on long-term hiatus, about Stevie Wonder and his successful attempt to have the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. declared a federally recognized holiday in the United States.
He was arrested October 10, 2007, the day before a scheduled (but ultimately cancelled) second SOBs performance, on felony possession of cocaine charges. However, he has continued to make live appearances at various US venues during the course of 2008 and 2009, including further appearances at SOBs in New York. He has also stated in interviews that work is continuing on his new album, which will consist mainly of new versions of some of his classic songs plus some cover versions of other artists' work.
Having originally planned to publish The Last Holiday in 2003, before it was put on hold, Canongate Books now tentatively intend to issue it in January, 2011. The book was due to be previewed via a website set to be launched on April 1, 2009, but this did not appear.
Mark T. Watson, a student of Scott-Heron's work, dedicated a collection of poetry to Gil titled Ordinary Guy that contained a foreword by Jalal Mansur Nuriddin of The Last Poets. The book was published in the UK in 2004 by Fore-Word Press Ltd. Scott-Heron recorded one of the poems in Watson's book Black & Blue due for release in 2008 as part of the album Rhythms of the Diaspora by Malik & the OG's on the record label CPR Recordings.
Gil Scott-Heron released his new album I'm New Here on independent label XL Recordings on February 9, 2010. Produced by XL label owner Richard Russell, 'I'm New Here' is Scott-Heron's first album in thirteen years.The pair started recording the album in 2007, with the majority of the record being recorded over the last twelve months with engineer Lawson White at Clinton Studios in New York. In 2009, a new Gil Scott-Heron website, www.gilscottheron.net , was launched with a brand new track 'Where Did The Night Go' made available as a free download from the site.
In 2011, Scott-Heron released "We're New Here" a remix album which was a collaboration with Jamie xx, a member of the British indie band The xx. Scott-Heron died in New York City on May 27, 2011.
A Toast To The People
Gil Scott-Heron Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too many years have passed
And though the time has gone
The memory still holds fast
Yes, as strange as it seems
We still live in the past
The essence of a black life
Lost in the hourglass
This country has rued the day
When we would stand as one
And raise our voices and say
You know there won't be no more killing
And no more talk of class
Your sons and your daughters
Won't die in the hourglass
And ever since we came to this land
This country has rued the day
When we would stand as one
We got to raise our voices and say
You know there won't be no more killing
And no more talk of class
Your sons and your daughters
Won't die in the hourglass
A toast to David Walker
A toast to Martin King
A toast to all the leaders
Who had a golden dream
A toast to all black fathers
Who live their lives in vain
A toast to all black mothers
Who shoulder this life in pain
A toast to the people a toast to the people
(We're talking ‘bout you)
A toast to the people, yeah
A toast to the people, yeah
In "A Toast to the People," Gil Scott-Heron reflects on the struggle and enduring resilience of the Black community in America. The lyrics convey a sense of lingering injustice and a longing for a brighter future. The opening lines acknowledge the passage of time and the persistence of memories that continue to shape the present. Scott-Heron emphasizes that, despite progress, there is still a need to confront historical injustices and the ongoing challenges faced by Black people.
The lyrics also highlight the unity and collective action necessary for change. Scott-Heron criticizes the division and inequality perpetuated by the country, suggesting that it has prevented the realization of a unified front against injustice. The refrain calls for an end to violence, the erasure of social class distinctions, and the promise that future generations will not be lost or forgotten.
The second part of the song is a toast, paying tribute to important figures and everyday Black individuals who have played a role in the struggle for equality. David Walker, an African American abolitionist, and Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader of the civil rights movement, are mentioned as inspirational figures. Scott-Heron then toasts to black fathers who often face challenges in a society that undervalues their contributions, and to black mothers who bear the weight of societal pain and injustice. The repeated phrase "a toast to the people" emphasizes the collective strength and resilience of the Black community.
Overall, "A Toast to the People" captures the complexities of the Black experience in America, while also proposing a hopeful toast to unity, progress, and the celebration of Black individuals who have made an impact.
Line by Line Meaning
And though it's been too long
Even though a significant amount of time has passed
Too many years have passed
An excessive number of years have gone by
And though the time has gone
Despite the fact that time has elapsed
The memory still holds fast
The recollection remains firmly in place
Yes, as strange as it seems
It may appear peculiar, but it is true
We still live in the past
We continue to dwell in bygone times
The essence of a black life
The fundamental nature of an African American existence
Lost in the hourglass
Being obscured within the passage of time
And ever since we came to this land
From the moment we arrived in this country
This country has rued the day
This nation has regretted that day
When we would stand as one
When we would unite as a cohesive group
And raise our voices and say
And express our thoughts and opinions with strength
You know there won't be no more killing
You are aware that there shall be no further acts of murder
And no more talk of class
And no additional discussion regarding social divisions
Your sons and your daughters
Your male and female offspring
Won't die in the hourglass
Shall not perish without leaving a significant impact
A toast to David Walker
A celebratory gesture in recognition of David Walker
A toast to Martin King
A gesture of homage to Martin Luther King Jr.
A toast to all the leaders
A tribute to all the influential figures
Who had a golden dream
Who possessed an optimistic vision
A toast to all black fathers
An honor to all African American fathers
Who live their lives in vain
Who exist without purpose or fulfillment
A toast to all black mothers
A salute to all African American mothers
Who shoulder this life in pain
Who carry the burden of existence while experiencing suffering
A toast to the people a toast to the people
A celebration dedicated to the general population, an acknowledgment of their significance
(We're talking ‘bout you)
(We are referring to all of you)
A toast to the people, yeah
An expression of admiration directed towards the people
A toast to the people, yeah
A salute to the people once again
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vinyl Uploads
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - “A Toast to the People (From South Africa to South Carolina Version)”
[Vocals/Written By/Producer: Gil Scott-Heron]
[Producer/Keyboards/Vocals/Written By: Brian Jackson]
[Producer: The Midnight Band]
[Vocals/Bells/Tambourine: Victor Brown]
[Bass Guitar: Danny Bowens]
[Congas: Eddie Knowles]
[Congas/Chinese Drum: Charlie Saunders]
[Congas/Shaker/Djembe: Barnett Williams]
[Drums: Bob Adams]
[Harmonica/Flute/Saxophone: Bilal Sunni-Ali]
[Verse 1: Victor Brown]
And though it's been too long
Too many years have passed
And though the time has gone
The memory still holds fast
Yes, as strange as it seems
We still live in the past
The essence of a black life
Lost in the hourglass
And ever since we came to this land
This country has rued the day
When we would stand as one
And raise our voices and say
You know there won’t be no more killing
And no more talk of class
Your sons and your daughters
Won't die in the hourglass
[Verse 2: Victor Brown]
And ever since we came to this land
This country has rued the day
When we would stand as one
We got to raise our voices and say
You know there won’t be no more killing
And no more talk of class
Your sons and your daughters
Won't die in the hourglass
[Chorus: Victor Brown with Background Vocals by Brian Jackson and Gil Scott-Heron]
A toast to David Walker
A toast to Martin King
A toast to all the leaders
Who had a golden dream
A toast to all black fathers
Who live their lives in vain
A toast to all black mothers
Who shoulder this life in pain
A toast to the people
A toast to the people (We’re talking ‘bout you)
A toast to the people, yeah
A toast to the people, yeah
The Words Project
This brother has impacted my life since the 70's. I had the blessed opportunity to meet him at a local college in Los Angeles in the 70's. To this day, I'm 56, I have only asked one person in my entire life for and autograph...who? GSH..rest in paradise bro your work is done here. WE must endeavor to share the fire, the passion, and the focus, to effect others through authentic words, actions, and our music which has been diluted to the point of pure entertainment and capitalism, and thats a damn shame.
Cynthia Sibeleski
I too love him it was johanasburg i heard first then essex then it was over nothing compares to where he takes me gill is on of a kind brilliant poet artist vocal magician bless beautiful gill
Craig Pryor
yes I had a chance to meet Gil in 1985 at the Cubby Bear Lounge in Chicago my brother took me there on my 25th birthday that was my present I'm 56 too. the brother had such an impact on my life I did not get into his music until late but once I discovered it about everything that I could find that he and brother Jackson made at the concert in 85 my brother and I we're right in front I made a comment to Gil and he commented on my comment I thought that was pretty cool. I still have big love for da Brotha.Thank you God for Gil.
busythinker1
When life's struggles get me down I play some Gil and he reminds me that I'm not alone in this fight and my fight is nothing compared to the past Freedom fighters!
kohi56
had the priviledge to see gil and brian in paris in 1982, the music is still powerful,this cut is still relevant,one of my favorits
RTJ Jones
At the New Morning?
SuperXavier30
@ockmon,..You’re so right; music of this calibre seems to have died. I guess music technology shifts the sound, yet the social conditions continue so whys the lyrical content coming from so many of today’s current artists so disappointingly apolitical? Gil & the like definitely helped me think deeper about so many social issues through their beautiful music. I’m sure you’d agree, the conscious of today’s youth needs to be raised! Cheers!
Sol Inspired
Victor Brown....amazing singer as was Gil.
bumpy1157
Mr Scott Heron would be smiling knowing our children are standing up and saying ENOUGH-ENOUGH.......
Vinyl Uploads
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - “A Toast to the People (From South Africa to South Carolina Version)”
[Vocals/Written By/Producer: Gil Scott-Heron]
[Producer/Keyboards/Vocals/Written By: Brian Jackson]
[Producer: The Midnight Band]
[Vocals/Bells/Tambourine: Victor Brown]
[Bass Guitar: Danny Bowens]
[Congas: Eddie Knowles]
[Congas/Chinese Drum: Charlie Saunders]
[Congas/Shaker/Djembe: Barnett Williams]
[Drums: Bob Adams]
[Harmonica/Flute/Saxophone: Bilal Sunni-Ali]
[Verse 1: Victor Brown]
And though it's been too long
Too many years have passed
And though the time has gone
The memory still holds fast
Yes, as strange as it seems
We still live in the past
The essence of a black life
Lost in the hourglass
And ever since we came to this land
This country has rued the day
When we would stand as one
And raise our voices and say
You know there won’t be no more killing
And no more talk of class
Your sons and your daughters
Won't die in the hourglass
[Verse 2: Victor Brown]
And ever since we came to this land
This country has rued the day
When we would stand as one
We got to raise our voices and say
You know there won’t be no more killing
And no more talk of class
Your sons and your daughters
Won't die in the hourglass
[Chorus: Victor Brown with Background Vocals by Brian Jackson and Gil Scott-Heron]
A toast to David Walker
A toast to Martin King
A toast to all the leaders
Who had a golden dream
A toast to all black fathers
Who live their lives in vain
A toast to all black mothers
Who shoulder this life in pain
A toast to the people
A toast to the people (We’re talking ‘bout you)
A toast to the people, yeah
A toast to the people, yeah