Gil Scott-Heron
Biography
Gilbert "Gil" Scott-Heron was an American soul and jazz poet, musician, and author, known primarily for his work as a spoken-word performer in the 1970s and 1980s. His collaborative efforts with musician Brian Jackson featured a musical fusion of jazz, blues, and soul, as well as lyrical content concerning social and political issues of the time, delivered in both rapping and melismatic vocal styles by Scott-Heron. He defined himself as a "bluesologist".
Known For & Full Filmography15 Titles
Drama Series - 1975, 16 episodes • as Self - Musical Guest
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.
Drama Series - 1989, 16 episodes • as Self
MTV's acclaimed music series showcases today's top artists and rising stars in the industry performing acoustic versions of their songs.
Drama Series - 2021, 16 episodes • as Self (archive footage)
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.
Movie - 2025, 2h 15m • as Self (archive footage)
Untold stories behind the culture-defining and newsmaking musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years.
Movie - 2026, 2h 15m • as Self (archive footage)
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.
Movie - 1980, 2h 15m • as Self
Filmed account of the five MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) concerts at Madison Square Garden and an outdoor rally at Battery Park in New York protesting the dangers of nuclear power. Performers include Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Carly Simon, and the Doobie Brothers.
Drama Series - 2017, 16 episodes • as Self (archive footage)
Companion programme to Gregory Porter's Popular Voices (2017) in which Gregory Porter introduces a selection of live performances culled from the BBC archives.
Movie - 1983, 2h 15m • as Himself
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.
Movie - 2004, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
"5 Sides of a Coin" is a comprehensive overview of the worldwide cultural movement of Hip-Hop.
Movie - 2005, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
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.
Movie - 2003, 2h 15m • as Self
On January 5, 1988, Artists Against Apartheid held a huge show in London to protest against the racist regime in South Africa, demanding the release of Nelson Mandela, jailed for 25 years for fighting to end prejudice against black people. British musicians like Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello and Sting joined beloved bands like Style Council and Big Audio Dynamite, and black musicians of the calibre of Sade, Hugh Masekela, Maxi Priest and Princess, to show the world that there is no more tolerance. for racism.
Movie - 2003, 2h 15m • as Himself
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.
Movie - 2010, 2h 15m • as Self
An outstanding performance featuring brilliant storytelling, high stakes drama, and unforgettable character arcs.
Movie - 1982, 2h 15m • as Self
Documentary about Gil Scott-Heron.
Movie - 2026, 2h 15m • as Self
Keep yourself grounded, with an ear to the floor. There are those who wish to deafen you from the earthquakes.