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From The Socialist newspaper, 1 June 2011
Gil Scott-Heron
Musician, poet and writer Gil Scott-Heron died on 27 May. He was well respected for his contribution to the arts and his influential role in radical politics in America in the 1970s. He recently returned from a tour of Europe to promote his new album, I'm New Here.
But it is his early work which is most celebrated. At his height he was prolific, releasing nine albums in the 1970s, all with unique sounds, topics and takes on areas such as social inequality, family life, racism and poverty.
He was no lightweight liberal, the vociferous yet poetic statements in his albums brought comparisons with the rising Black Panther movement of the time.
He dedicated an album to the fight against apartheid when, in America, it was an under-reported event.
When any musician dies, interest in their work is rekindled and their masterpieces re-discovered by a new generation. If you are unfamiliar with his music, or haven't re-connected with it in a while, take the opportunity to listen to a unique figure.
Ian Slattery
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In The Socialist 1 June 2011:
Socialist Party news and analysis
Glencore - Profiting from global hunger
New attacks on women's sexual and reproductive rights
Disabled protester - "inadvertently struck with a police baton"
Shoesmith sacking - social work under growing pressure
International socialist news and analysis
Egypt and Tunisia: Revolutions at the crossroads
Greece: unite the struggles and bring down the government
National Shop Stewards Network
Strike - to defend jobs and pensions
Socialist Party NHS campaigning
Government plans for the NHS: Privatisation and world class profits!
"Frontline first" a dangerous tactic - unity is the key
Cardiff NHS protest against Topshop tax dodger
Demonstration against closure of day centre in Llandeilo
Socialist Party workplace news
Southampton - council workers' strike spreads
Saltend construction workers' struggle ends
Lewisham teachers - Action threat spells victory
Newcastle East Coast rail call centre - Save jobs!
Socialist history
18 years since Stephen Lawrence murder
Youth fight for jobs and education
Coventry action against academies grows
Yorkshire meetings make Jarrow plans
Socialist Party feature
Lib Dems - a party rooted in capitalism
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