Gil Scott-Heron died yesterday in New York. My mom introduced his music to me when I was a kid and he has remained one of my favorites since — losing him feels a little like losing a family member. Here are just a few choice cuts:
Gil Scott-Heron "Your Daddy Loves You" from Winter In America (1974, Strata-East)

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson "The Bottle" from Winter In America (1974, Strata-East)

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson "Winter In America" from Winter In America (1974, Strata-East)

Gil Scott-Heron "We Beg Your Pardon (Pardon Our Analysis)" from Midnight Band: The First Minute of a New Day (Arista, 1975)

Esther Phillips "Home Is Where the Hatred Is," written by Gil Scott-Heron, from From A Whisper To a Scream (Kudu, 1971). His version appeared on Pieces of a Man (Flying Dutchman, 1971)

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson: "Offerings" from Midnight Band: The First Minute of a New Day (Arista, 1975)

Listen to a good remembrance of Gil Scott-Heron at NPR.