Who Is Gil Scott-Heron? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on April 1, 1949, Gil Scott-Heron was a pioneering American soul and jazz poet, musician, and author who left an indelible mark on the world of music and spoken word. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics and social commentary, he garnered a dedicated fan base that continues to thrive beyond his passing in May 2011. As of 2025, he would have turned 76 years old, illustrating the lasting relevance of his work and the importance of his message in contemporary discourse.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1949 |
| Age | 62 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 May, 2011 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Gil Scott-Heron's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gil Scott-Heron stood at approximately 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) tall, showcasing a commanding presence that amplified his performances. While specific weight measurements vary over time, he was known for having a lean build, reflecting the active lifestyle he maintained through music and literature. His striking height and stature made him an unforgettable figure on stage.
Gilbert Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011) was an American jazz poet, singer, musician, and author known for his work as a spoken-word performer in the 1970s and 1980s.
His collaborative efforts with musician Brian Jackson fused jazz, blues, and soul with lyrics relative to social and political issues of the time, delivered in both rapping and melismatic vocal styles. He referred to himself as a "bluesologist", his own term for "a scientist who is concerned with the origin of the blues".
His poem "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised", delivered over a jazz-soul beat, is considered a major influence on hip hop music.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Gil Scott-Heron experienced various relationships. While he was known for his intensely private nature regarding his personal life, he had notable romantic connections. There has been speculation about various partners, but in 2025, he remains remembered not only for his relationships but also for the deep connections he established through his art and activism. He never married, but his legacy includes songs that reflect love, loss, and societal issues.
His mother, Bobbie Scott, born in Mississippi, was an opera singer who performed with the Oratorio Society of New York. His father, Gil Heron, nicknamed "The Black Arrow", was a Jamaican footballer who in the 1950s became the first black man to play for Celtic F.C. in Glasgow, Scotland.
Gil's parents separated in his early childhood and he was sent to live with his maternal grandmother, Lillie Scott, in Jackson, Tennessee. When Scott-Heron was 12 years old, his grandmother died and he returned to live with his mother in The Bronx in New York City.
He enrolled at DeWitt Clinton High School but later transferred to The Fieldston School, after impressing the head of the English department with some of his writings and earning a full scholarship. As one of five Black students at the prestigious school, Scott-Heron was faced with alienation and a significant socioeconomic gap.
During his admissions interview at Fieldston, an administrator asked him: How would you feel if you see one of your classmates go by in a limousine while you're walking up the hill from the subway?' And [he] said, 'Same way as you. Y'all can't afford no limousine. How do you feel?
This type of intractable boldness would become a hallmark of Scott-Heron's later recordings.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Gil Scott-Heron's estimated net worth was around $500,000. However, considering the resurgence of interest in his work and the impact of his music on modern genres like hip-hop and neo-soul, it's likely that his estate has significantly increased in value in the years following his passing. Posthumous releases and royalties have continued to contribute to his legacy, benefiting his family.
Career, Business and Investments
Gil Scott-Heron's career began in the late 1960s, with his first album, "Small Talk at 125th and Lenox," released in 1970. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he produced pivotal works such as "Pieces of a Man" and "Winter in America," which highlighted issues like racism, poverty, and social injustice. His ability to fuse jazz, funk, and blues made him a significant influence on a plethora of artists. In addition to music, Scott-Heron published several books, including "The Vulture" and "Now and Then," showcasing his prowess as a writer and poet.
In recent years, his music has seen a revival through remixes and samples in contemporary hip-hop, bridging generations and solidifying his influence. Trends indicate that his discography will continue to attract new audiences, ensuring a financially stable legacy.
Although Scott-Heron never completed his undergraduate degree, he was admitted to the Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University, where he received an M.A. in creative writing in 1972. His master's thesis was titled Circle of Stone.
Beginning in 1972, Scott-Heron taught literature and creative writing for several years as a full-time lecturer at University of the District of Columbia (then known as Federal City College) in Washington, D.C., while maintaining his music career.
Social Network
Though Gil Scott-Heron is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through various social media platforms and music streaming services. Fans celebrate his work on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, sharing quotes, performances, and artwork inspired by his music. His official accounts and fan sites serve as a hub for discussions about his enduring impact, encouraging new listeners to explore his vast contributions.
After completing his secondary education, Scott-Heron decided to attend Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania because Langston Hughes (his most important literary influence) was an alumnus. It was here that Scott-Heron met Brian Jackson, with whom he formed the band Black & Blues.
After about two years at Lincoln, Scott-Heron took a year off to write the novels The Vulture and The Nigger Factory. Scott-Heron was very heavily influenced by the Black Arts Movement (BAM).
The Last Poets, a group associated with the Black Arts Movement, performed at Lincoln in 1969 and Abiodun Oyewole of that Harlem group said Scott-Heron asked him after the performance, "Listen, can I start a group like you guys?" Scott-Heron returned to New York City, settling in Chelsea, Manhattan.
The Vulture was published by the World Publishing Company in 1970 to positive reviews.
Education
Gil Scott-Heron attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where he honed his artistic skills. He later enrolled at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, majoring in sociology and philosophy, which influenced his writing and music. This strong academic background equipped him with the tools to articulate complex social issues, making him not just a performer, but a profound commentator on society's challenges.
Scott-Heron's memoir, The Last Holiday, was published in January 2012. In her review for the Los Angeles Times, professor of English and journalism Lynell George wrote:
