Gil Scott-Heron and the Miracle of Music

 Gil Scott-Heron 1949-2011

Earlier today I was saddened by the news that Gil Scott-Heron had passed away. He played in Copenhagen in january but we didn't go. I regret it now. Oh well. Let's remember the good things.

Gil Scott-Heron was a big influence on hip hop. His most famous track is the proto-rap of "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised". He also recorded soul, blues & jazz influenced stuff and had a comeback as late as last year with the album I'm New Here and the Jamie XX collaboration/reworking We're New Here.

One of his 70's tracks is called "Lady Day and John Coltrane". Lady Day was the nickname of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday and John Coltrane is obviously the legendary jazz sax man.

A simple, beautiful and groovy song about the miracle of music and what it can do to people:

Ever feel kinda down and out, you don't know just what to do
Livin' all of your days in darkness let the sun shine through
Ever feel that somehow, somewhere you lost your way
And if you don't get a help quick you won't make it through the day
Could you call on Lady Day, could you call on John Coltrane
Now 'cause they'll, they'll wash your troubles, your troubles away

Plastic people with plastic minds are on their way to plastic homes
No beginning there ain't no ending just on and on and on and on and on, 
It's all because they're so afraid to say that they're alone
Until our hero rides in on his saxophone
Could you call on Lady Day, could you call on John Coltrane
Now cause they'll, they'll wash your troubles, your troubles away