Gil Scott-Heron American poet and musician Written by Meg Matthias Meg Matthias is Senior Video Production Manager at Encyclopædia Britannica. Meg Matthias Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Mar. 5, 2026 •History Gil Scott-Heron (born April 1, 1949, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.—died May 27, 2011, Manhattan, New York) was a revolutionary American poet and musician who is often recognized as a forefather of hip-hop for his recordings that combined spoken-word vocal delivery with lyrics addressing contemporary social issues. He is best known for his 1971 recording “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” a poem set to music that critiques the stupefying effect of popular culture on political action....

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