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Gil Scott-Heron
Biography
Known for
Saturday Night Live
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.
MTV Unplugged
MTV's acclaimed music series showcases today's top artists and rising stars in the industry performing acoustic versions of their songs.
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded like never before.
Black Wax
Poet, musician and activist Gil Scott-Heron reflects on race, politics, creativity and the Black experience through candid interviews and electrifying live performances. Blending spoken word, jazz, funk and soul, the film captures an artist whose voice remains as urgent as ever.
Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music
Untold stories behind the culture-defining and newsmaking musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years.
Classic Albums: Gil Scott-Heron - Pieces of a Man
An exploration of Gil Scott Heron's 1971 debut and most critically-acclaimed album, featuring hip-hop precursor The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. The album skilfully and consistently blends musical excellence with powerful message in its wonderful combinations of words, poetry and jazz.
Riviera 76, le Woodstock oublié
This legendary event was meant to be “the French Woodstock.” Almost no one remembers it today, because nothing — absolutely nothing — went according to plan... But in 2020, this extraordinary story resurfaced with the discovery of 153 metal canisters hidden away in a cellar, containing an untold number of film reels. Unseen for decades, these reels preserve the memory of an incredible chapter in music history : three days of a music festival at the height of the summer of 1976. A 350-hectare open-air site at the Paul Ricard Circuit in Le Castellet. The American organizers behind the legendary Woodstock at the helm. Joe Cocker roaring on stage. An expected crowd of 100,000. A budget of $1 million. The Rolling Stones' mobile recording truck on site to capture the performances for a live album... And yet, in the end, it all collapsed into spectacular failure—against the backdrop of the Var region's criminal underworld.
Popular Voices at the BBC
Companion programme to Gregory Porter's Popular Voices (2017) in which Gregory Porter introduces a selection of live performances culled from the BBC archives.
How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It)
Melvin Van Peebles was one of the first black directors to challenge the white establishment in his films, which include "Watermelon Man" and "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." In this documentary, the life of Van Peebles is discussed, including his work not only in film, but also as a novelist, actor, musician, stock trader and even Air Force pilot. Interview subjects include Gil Scott-Heron, Spike Lee and Melvin's son and fellow filmmaker, Mario Van Peebles.
Who Is Gil Scott-Heron?
WHO IS GIL SCOTT-HERON? was released alongside "Nothing New", an album of stripped down acoustic versions of songs from Gil’s back catalogue, recorded with Richard Russell in New York between 2005 and 2009.
Solidarity
Solidarity follows pioneering New Zealand rappers Upper Hutt Posse after they're invited to the United States by the Nation of Islam. They perform signature song 'E Tū' — about Māori resistance against oppression — and take their message of justice to Detroit community station WDTR. In New York, UHP are interviewed by veteran DJ Imhotep Gary Bryd. Later they meet Abiodun Oyewole, from rap pioneers The Last Poets. This is a street level view of urban artists spreading a message of Indigenous and Black unity, and social justice. Solidarity was directed by Rongotai Lomas and UHP lead vocalist Dean Hapeta.
Cool Runnings: The Reggae Movie
This is the 1983 edition of Jamaica’s annual Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay, a week-long showcase for some of the greatest names in reggae, ska, funk and dub poetry.
Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Gil Scott-Heron was one of the most influential musicians and poets of the last 50 years. In Don Letts's documentary, Gil tells his own story for the first time-from being one of the first black children to integrate an all white Southern state school to becoming the Godfather of Rap. There are contributions from Chuck D, Mos Def, Richi Havens and the Last Poets, among others. Filmed in October 2003, Gil performs live and recites poetry out on the streets of Harlem, which have inspired so much of his music.
5 Sides of a Coin
"5 Sides of a Coin" is a comprehensive overview of the worldwide cultural movement of Hip-Hop.
