Mom played this album religiously in 1978 & 1979. I still remember Falling asleep to this song as the smoky spell of pot & jasmine incense danced hand in hand down our hallway with the music into my bedroom. Outside my window the soft amber streetlight glow illuminated the lilacs petals waving at me in the summer evening air. Gils steady voice fades my senses and sleep pulls the covers over me kissing me goodnight.
So mesmerising, I appreciate sharing your story with the world ❤️ one love, hope your doing well, keep documenting your journey, reading that was magical man
"When it comes to people's safety, money wins out every time" -- Gil Scott Heron... Chilling, and totally honest. Sad to say. What a powerful piece of music.
I live in Flint, Michigan and this is the whole truth. The national media stopped reporting but we STILL have issues with the water, we're just not the hot topic any more
The money economy is one of the largest problems of the world, when people stop following this god and then find peace and love among each other the world will be happier place
@@kubajurczyk3146 Listen to the lyrics of Joey Bada$$ - Paper Trail$ “They say money is the root of all evil I say money is the root of all people Cause everybody follow paper trails And everybody gotta pay they bills It’s the dolla bill y’all The dollar bill that kills y’all”
The kindest DJ played a full set of tracks including Gil Scott for me after I called in to his show on a really horrible day. I think I still have the recording of it somewhere...
This song is about the nuclear power plant in michigan, near detroit that almost blew. but might also be a double entendre talking about race riots in 67
Yup. The song is about Fermi 1, a nuclear reactor in Frenchtown, Michigan that had a partial meltdown during construction. It was super scary at the time because of the population density. It's close to Detroit and Toledo. He mentions that it was about that event here: th-cam.com/video/b54rB64fXY4/w-d-xo.html
What's your story, how did you learn English? Congrats, I grew up some in Adana Turkey early 90's. All the locals thought my family knew Michael Jackson because we were black.
I’m over 40, a music addict for my entire life, and a musician, but somehow the universe has been cruel to me for not allowing me to hear the golden voice and brilliant words of Gil Scott-Heron till today. Maybe the universe has now somehow made peace with me...
STILL relevant today! Glad you are now listening to Gil brother. Such a masterpiece. I did a reaction to this song with the lyrics added. Anyone should check it out if your a real GSH fan th-cam.com/video/FAmstkLgre4/w-d-xo.html
I remember cleaning out the garage with my dad when I was 16. We found a crate of records and took them inside. We put this on, and the intro blew my mind. Then Gil started singing...
I saw him live in Pasadena, CA back in the late 70's - early 80's. I was back stage and gave him a handshake and expressed my satisfaction with his music and definitely his lyrics.
Yes, Jennifer! You have established yourself as a music journalist and possible mainstream personality. :-) So? What now? How about a story of musical personalities over the last 50 years out of OHIO? LOL....Include Chrissie Hynde, joe Walsh, and the leader of that band down in Kent, OH. ...just the Numbers Band! PLEASE!!
God, I hope you see that I was right here, drink in hand, listening to this beautiful piece of music and enjoying the life that I inherited from those before me. I love you all, and I hope your dreams come to fruition
God damn. I'll never get over this one. I don't think I've ever listened to a piece so many times which is saying something. Gil was truly a once in a life time talent and Brian Jackson and him complimented each other in every way.
PapaDayZ Koi - and in 1977, you see a lot of creativity back in the day, they used all kinds of methods to make noise without the help of a computer, it's beautiful and it becomes iconic
He died at a reasonable age, and was not shot, nor did he die of any suspect causes. It may have been pneumonia as a consequence of being HIV positive, but by 2011 that had become part of life for so many. His biography The Last Holiday came out in 2012.
Its so badass. its got me coming nack again and again. It starts simple and gets more and more impressive in each verse until its just utterly brilliant and beautiful. Sounds like an Electro Harmonics mutron that Stevie Wonder and Jerry Garcia made famous. But hearing on this kind of synth is a different, smoother kind of sound that is just delicious.
This is some true O.G. music. Music which makes you think about our problems as a people and how to resolve our issues instead of feeding seeds of evil to our youth and communities. Some of those old-school 70's classics makes shed a tear or two sometimes when I think about all of the struggles us Blacks and Chicanos go through. And it also hurts to see where we have gone musically!!!
What a beautiful brother. The last time I saw him, he was seating across from me in a New York subway. It was obvious that he was strung out on heroin. I felt broken hearted but I understood that so much beautiful poetry emanated from a very painful place. Rest In Peace brother!
(LYRICS) It stands out on a highway Like a Creature from another time. It inspires the babies' questions, "What's that?" For their mothers as they ride. But no one stopped to think about the babies Or how they would survive, And we almost lost Detroit This time. How would we ever get over Loosing our minds? Just thirty miles from Detroit Stands a giant power station. It ticks each night as the city sleeps Seconds from anniahlation. But no one stopped to think about the people Or how they would survive, And we almost lost Detroit This time. How would we ever get over Over loosing our minds? The sherrif of Monroe county had, Sure enough disasters on his mind, And what would karen Silkwood say If she was still alive? That when it comes to people's safety Money wins out every time. And we almost lost Detroit This time, this time. How would we ever get over Over loosing our minds? You see, we almost lost Detroit That time. Almost lost Detroit That time. And how would we ever get over... Cause odds are, We gonna loose somewhere, one time. Odds are We gonna loose somewhere sometime. And how would we ever get over Loosing our minds? And how would we ever get over Loosing our minds? Didn't they, didn't they decide? Almost lost Detroit That time. Damn near totally destroyed, One time. Didn't all of the world know? Say didn't you know? Didn't all of the world know? Say didn't you know? We almost lost detroit...
FireFly Epic Lol. I see your referring to them nasty mushrooms clouds!! There not funny at all 🤬🤯😳😳🥵🥶. Not on the shrooms right now no. It was just once handed to me at a work Christmas party in 1996. Take epic care fire fly 😎
man what a loss...this man was onto/into some music like no one else...before or since! I remember the first time I heard this and still, almost 40 years ago, it still gets me!! I hope your troubled soul is resting peacefully somewhere with lots of other great artists...
+Jerry Sullivan X2 Jerry, I remember buying his album Secrets 40 years ago and it just blew me away. Deep very deep, still listen to it every once in awhile.
Beautiful. I'm embarrassed to admit that I just heard this for the first time and of course, me still being an older hip hop head, that sample at 1:55 jumped right out at me!
I have to listen to one of his songs at least once a day. His music makes you so aware. I only wish I had gotten into his music sooner. R.I.P. you will be missed.
I remember this was one of the few songs I could listen to on the school laptops that wasn't blocked on TH-cam during my senior year in 2019, I haven't stopped listening since then so damn good.
I'm a 62yr old white Central Jersey musician that was blessed with enough urban radio stations in the '70's to hear "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and search this genius out. G.S.H. taught me you could do poetry & music and MAKE IT COUNT. And yeah, a lot of head-shakers when I would say "You gotta listen to THIS!"
Yeah they'll be changing.... As soon as you Spotify supporters and your ingenious corporation figure out a way to give these artists 0¢ Instead of the measly sum of 2¢ they're currently making off these songs..
If you were a real audiophile, you'd get your own music (vinyl only -- closest thing to the live recording) and a system and turntable to play it on so you don't rely on some "website". Your ears don't know what they've been missing listening to this compressed digital crap. Just saying.
Thank you, Gil, for being a driving force for rap and hip-hop, as your innovative style laid the groundwork for these genres. Your courage in addressing social issues has inspired generations of artists to promote change. Your legacy endures as a source of inspiration for those seeking to use art as a tool for positive change.
I discoveres Gil's music in 2019. It's powerful, yet heartbreaking. Especially in 2024, when we've seen his words become prophecy. Gil never misses, IMO.
Gil Scott-Heron, Brian Jackson and The Midnight Band. I never just listen to them, I dive in and learn. Gil was so far ahead of his time that we ain't caught up YET.....
Oh, well. His music is actually called Proto-Rap. Rap was actually productized in 79, his music is blues and jazz but his music was one of the main influences to bring in lyrics towards rap. ***** I didn't mean it literally, I meant it metaphorically.
+Terrell Oliver Like Jazz before it, Hip hop evolved from the fusion of a numerous influences - one of which was undoubtedly Gil Scott Heron. A true pioneer!
Who’s still here 2020 I was a little girl 👧🏽 singing with my daddy the whole album ! GLAD I can introduce you to other people in my life people I don’t even know it’s on my Music list on TH-cam and I see a lot of people downloaded this particular song must hear all of his music so beautiful so real so as a matter of fact so FYI! Love ❤️ Peace ✌🏽 & Joy ! God is Good🙏🏾💛🧚🏿♀️👼🏽 Rest In Power Daddy Thank you for being the Best dad in the world 🌎 🤴🏾
Gil Scott Heron - We almost Lost Detroit It stands out on a highway Like a creature from another time It inspires the babies' questions "What's that?" For their mothers as they ride But no one stopped to think about the babies Or how they would survive And we've almost lost Detroit This time How would we ever get over Losing our minds? Just thirty miles from Detroit Stands a giant power station It ticks each night as the city sleeps Seconds from annihilation But no one stopped to think about the people Or how they would survive And we almost lost Detroit This time How would we ever get over Over losing our minds? The sherriff of Monroe county had Sure enough disasters on his mind And what would Karen Silkwood say If she was still alive? That when it comes to people's Money wins out every time And we've almost lost Detroit This time, this time How would we ever get over Over losing our minds? You see, we almost lost Detroit That time Almost lost Detroit That time And how would we ever get over 'Cause odds are We gonna lose somewhere, one time Odds are We gonna lose somewhere, sometime And how would we ever get over Losing our minds? And how would we ever get over Losing our minds? Didn't they, didn't they decide? Almost lost Detroit That time Damn near totally destroyed One time Didn't all of the world know Say didn't you know Didn't all of the world know Say didn't you know When we almost lost Detroit
Big G even though you have gone to another level I still listen to your music everyday it kinda inspires me as things that you were talking about are happened today still exist you will never be forgotten in my world of music you inspire me and I do plan to practice music and play a saxophone hopefully I will be able to play it to one of your song that you were singing it
I don’t know a fraction of Gil scott heron and I hate it. This is some serious musical knowledge that everybody should be a part of and I believe it is what truly connects us
If you’re reading this, This’ll probably hurt yer feelings but I was supremely blessed to have the opportunity to see him with BRian Jackson and the midnight band for a back to back, two-set, candlelit-intimate live performance at Yoshi’s in Oakland, California in 1998 🙏🏼 Unbelievably lucky Incredible sets replete with deep jazz-laced improvisatory excursions by his band members and GSH’s token repartee with the audience... Omgoodness!.. Met the man afterwards and shook his hand. Greatest show I’ve ever been to.
I'm upset that people rely so exclusively on Spotify for music that listening to a song via other means is considered an inconvenience. It's kind of concerning, honestly.
Used to play “the people” by Common on repeat as a teen. I just found this song and realized this was the sample they used for that beat. Full circle more than a decade later. Gotta love it ❤
I listen to alot of music.. and it's not often that a song stops me in my tracks like this song did... This song put me on another plane ❤️ the synths, Gil's voice and the song as a whole is a work of art.. my god...
It stands out on a highway Like a creature from another time It inspires the babies' questions-"what's that?" For their mothers as they ride But no one stopped to think about the babies or How they would survive, and we Almost lost Detroit this time How would we ever get over Losing our minds? Just thirty miles from Detroit There stands a giant power station It ticks each night as the city sleeps Seconds from annihilation But no one stopped to think about the people Or how they would survive, and we Almost lost Detroit this time How would we ever get over Over losing our minds? The sheriff of Monroe county had I'm sure enough disasters on his mind And what would Karen Silkwood say to you If she was still alive? That when it comes to people's safety Money wins out every time And we almost lost Detroit This time, this time How would we ever get over Over losing our minds? You see, we almost lost Detroit That time Almost lost Detroit That time And how would we ever get over... ‘Cause, odds are We’re gonna lose somewhere one time Odds are We’re gonna lose somewhere sometime And how would we ever get over Losing our minds? And how would we ever get over Losing our minds? Didn't they, didn't they decide? When we almost lost Detroit That time Damn near totally destroyed One time People all over the world know Say, didn't you know? People all over the world know Say, didn't you know when? We almost lost Detroit Damn near totally destroyed Yes, or will one morning See it clear as day I’m sitting here, giving you a warning
Shouts out to Gil...and old man Gil as we used to call him for those of us who grew up on 6mile...and used to go to Gayle's crib. First concert I ever went to...Kenny took me (RIP)....Gayle was at my mom's funeral and I'll never for forget that hug and conversation... I'll never forget Reading the writings of Gil Sr. as a kid after gma died....when he talks about Detroit deeper than you think....I remember him coming HOME to do shows and him and my mother kicking it, saying to her..."Tootie...I love you and Kelvin." Soooo much I could never write it here...but my family...The Heron family (especially old man Gil) nourished me and taught me so much, and how to see myself different. I never told her, but I was always in love with Heather. Joey was always my guy...Kenny taught me so much....and old man Gil was a friend to my grandfather that I never got to meet and told me of him...soooo much I could say...not enough room😥
We need more singer songwriters helping us sort through the shit we’re in. The ability a good songwriter has to put you in someone else’s shoes, to see through a different set of eyes, it’s a conduit to empathy. I don’t know, I just don’t see today the kinda prolific thought provoking content put out by artists of the 60’s and 70’s. Thank God we have these wells on TH-cam to go back to and mind the gold of yester year. Stay safe, stay humble my fiends.
As a kid growing up in Detroit and visiting relatives via car in many states connected via highway, we passed this scene (Power Plant) many times and this song so encompasses the feeling one gets when these "creatures" come out from nowhere. Folks talk about auras, I could tell when we were getting near their power it was like a rumble within one's spirit.
In case yall were wondering "Gil Scott-Heron was referring to a partial nuclear meltdown that occurred at the Fermi 1 nuclear power plant near Monroe, Michigan, about 30 miles from Detroit, in 1966. The song's lyrics discuss the dangers and near disaster of this nuclear accident. While there was no widespread release of radioactivity, the accident was considered serious. The plant suffered a partial fuel meltdown due to a combination of equipment malfunction and operator error. Scott-Heron used this event to critique the development of nuclear power in general, highlighting the potential risks and catastrophic consequences of nuclear accidents, especially with plants located near major population centers like Detroit. The song became an anthem for anti-nuclear activists. The title of the song was also used for a 1975 book by John G. Fuller about the accident, and likely inspired Scott-Heron's musical treatment of the topic a couple years later. His song shone a spotlight on the incident and contributed to ongoing public concerns and debates about the safety of nuclear energy."
Here in Oregon in 1977 we were trying to shut down Trojan Nuclear Power Plant. The engineers had built it upon a fault line right on the banks of the beautiful Jewel of the Pacific! the Columbia river Gorge! This song was a huge supporting factor in our success. Though I was just a kid in 77, I was there at rallies with my mom. My sister & I fell asleep to this song specifically as it had an important environmental message to convey. The very notes of this song nourished a hopeful vigilance within my dreams. To this day I give thanks to my upbringing by staying engaged in all environmental actions. The unborn generations that are coming into this world need us..for we, brothers & sisters, are their stewards, we are their parents, we are their community! We can gift them a far healthier World through our acts on this Earth Now! Love and freedom require a clean earth, clean air, & clean water!
@@rayres1074 PGE (Portland General Electric) contracted Hoffmann Construction to build Trojan at that insane location knowing full well it was atop a tectonic plate. PGE obviously fooled voters into supporting this schizophrenic endeavor. Thankfully Nuclear awareness was starting to bloom across the world with concerns over meltdowns, earthquakes, terrorist attacks & other unpredictable unforeseen insanity. Oregon regulators paid no mind to what would’ve become, eventually, a catastrophic nuclear holocaust event in the last frontier state on Earth-Oregon. Trojan threatened to pollute the pristine drinking waters of the the Colombia River, the Willamette River, and every Species of Wildlife who rely upon clean water to survive. The native Salmon population would’ve been made extinct. So we Oregonians fought to stop the Power Plant & eventually detonated the Cooling tower in 2006. Its demise was videotaped and is available here on youtube. Nuclear Energy in action on Earth exists well outside humans ability to control or contain its waste & destruction. Hiroshima & Nagasaki were humanities biggest failures. We DIDN’T need to use those weapons. We were strangling Japan of its needed resources and they were conferencing on submissions of defeat two weeks prior to dropping those f***ing bombs. Ever since that awful mistake we humans have been a fucking virus on the planet. We are killing everything including ourselves.
![Ruby Andrews - A Love Feeling [US] Soul (1977)](/img/n.gif)
Mom played this album religiously in 1978 & 1979. I still remember Falling asleep to this song as the smoky spell of pot & jasmine incense danced hand in hand down our hallway with the music into my bedroom. Outside my window the soft amber streetlight glow illuminated the lilacs petals waving at me in the summer evening air. Gils steady voice fades my senses and sleep pulls the covers over me kissing me goodnight.
Your lucky to have that be a base in your youth! Power to the people!!!
You write beautifully, I hope your doing well.
Beautiful. ❤️
So mesmerising, I appreciate sharing your story with the world ❤️ one love, hope your doing well, keep documenting your journey, reading that was magical man
I'm very impressed
"When it comes to people's safety, money wins out every time" -- Gil Scott Heron... Chilling, and totally honest. Sad to say. What a powerful piece of music.
I live in Flint, Michigan and this is the whole truth. The national media stopped reporting but we STILL have issues with the water, we're just not the hot topic any more
"When it comes to peoples safety, money wins out every time" ....that line hits hard cause its so true in many ways
The money economy is one of the largest problems of the world, when people stop following this god and then find peace and love among each other the world will be happier place
@@kubajurczyk3146 Listen to the lyrics of Joey Bada$$ - Paper Trail$
“They say money is the root of all evil
I say money is the root of all people
Cause everybody follow paper trails
And everybody gotta pay they bills
It’s the dolla bill y’all
The dollar bill that kills y’all”
@@kubajurczyk3146 well said
…so true in ALL the ways.
That´s it
The kindest DJ played a full set of tracks including Gil Scott for me after I called in to his show on a really horrible day. I think I still have the recording of it somewhere...
Would love to know which dj that was. I’d love to support him.❤
Electrifying MOJO did that for me one time back in the day. Saved my life and I am still here to tell about it ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
This song is about the nuclear power plant in michigan, near detroit that almost blew. but might also be a double entendre talking about race riots in 67
Yup. The song is about Fermi 1, a nuclear reactor in Frenchtown, Michigan that had a partial meltdown during construction. It was super scary at the time because of the population density. It's close to Detroit and Toledo. He mentions that it was about that event here: th-cam.com/video/b54rB64fXY4/w-d-xo.html
Detroit was lost the old fashioned way.
@@NewsHistorian Detroit's been rising back up steady and strong. You must be lost or uninformed.
@@heavyastronaut Fermi 1 was a fast breeder reactor. That type of reactor actually make more fuel than it consumes.
Agreed! I did a reaction to this song with the lyrics added. You should check it out if your a real GSH fan
th-cam.com/video/FAmstkLgre4/w-d-xo.html
I live in far village in Eastern Anatolia, nobody speaks English except me and non stop listening to this jewel
You are truly a man with an interior life. Must be a lot of stuff going on in your head people around you are completely unaware of
Greetings from California
What's your story, how did you learn English? Congrats, I grew up some in Adana Turkey early 90's. All the locals thought my family knew Michael Jackson because we were black.
You are the Anatolian Shepard
@@ChildofLight777 😂
the fact this song only exists on Spotify as a live version is super infuriating
Must be blocked in your region then, the studio version (and the whole Bridges album) exists on Spotify for me.
@@partario9326 whats your region? I really wanna get this song.
@@finlaykusik4839 Estonia. Really sucks to see so much content being geo blocked on Spotify :(
@@partario9326 thank you so much
@@partario9326 Central America here, blocked as well :(
Unique subject matter.... brilliant prose....understated, brooding and soulful.... For me it's the perfect song.
I’m over 40, a music addict for my entire life, and a musician, but somehow the universe has been cruel to me for not allowing me to hear the golden voice and brilliant words of Gil Scott-Heron till today. Maybe the universe has now somehow made peace with me...
STILL relevant today! Glad you are now listening to Gil brother. Such a masterpiece. I did a reaction to this song with the lyrics added. Anyone should check it out if your a real GSH fan
th-cam.com/video/FAmstkLgre4/w-d-xo.html
That is a beautiful sentiment.
Thank you for sharing.
I will be enshrining your words in a poem.
Welcome to the Real World
I'm new to this song too man..
@@PrimeInfinite gil is a legend bro..
This is one of the greatest songs I’ve ever heard.
It is
Totally agree
Apaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
@@francoraminponambalom6940 Teeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!
@@allforthewinner ???
TH-cam algorithim you've won this time
jonhatan flores it wins every time
We have lost Detroit took everything out of Detroit so true 20/20
jonhatan flores what genre is this?
This time
Same here
Gil Scott Heron, Nina Simone , Curtis Mayfield , they did something different.They gave us a voice .
The Trio that cured me of racism. The Truth Works
Revolutionaries
Don’t forget about James Brown who taught us we can acknowledge our history and still have fun in this life
You've got great taste❤
And you know this!
I remember cleaning out the garage with my dad when I was 16. We found a crate of records and took them inside. We put this on, and the intro blew my mind. Then Gil started singing...
Scotty Doesn't Know I listen to this with my kids and they hate it lol , they’ll learn one day.
Amazing !
Priceless...👌
That's so cool you and your dad found a treasure.
@slim147 I know that specific heartbreak
So smooth I almost slipped
acornstairlift don't do this to yourself
😂
acornstairlift mee too !! I'm drunked when i see that
I. Am. Fucking. Dead 😂😂😂😂😂😂
im also white myself :)
I saw him live in Pasadena, CA back in the late 70's - early 80's. I was back stage and gave him a handshake and expressed my satisfaction with his music and definitely his lyrics.
I saw him in Ann Arbor ,MI in the 80's I got to meet him We had a brief conversation, He was a deep man
used to listen to this when i was on drugs, life never been the same since,
its still comforting my bones.
his voice is like butter...
"I got that reference"- Captain America
Cheetylicious meow meow 😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Yeah it is, like melted butter drizzled over too rare steak.
SeXy,sexy ,soft n slow!
This song is about the 1966 partial meltdown of the Fermi nuclear station in Newport, Mi on Lake Erie...
Fascinating, I'm from Toledo and never knew that!
wow i never heard of this eather. Gonna look it up . Funny how Sting said History teaches us nothing !
"We Almost Lost Detroit", a 1975 book by John G. Fuller told the story.
Yes, Jennifer! You have established yourself as a music journalist and possible mainstream personality. :-) So? What now? How about a story of musical personalities over the last 50 years out of OHIO? LOL....Include Chrissie Hynde, joe Walsh, and the leader of that band down in Kent, OH. ...just the Numbers Band! PLEASE!!
We lost Detroit this time in 2016
God, I hope you see that I was right here, drink in hand, listening to this beautiful piece of music and enjoying the life that I inherited from those before me. I love you all, and I hope your dreams come to fruition
God damn. I'll never get over this one. I don't think I've ever listened to a piece so many times which is saying something. Gil was truly a once in a life time talent and Brian Jackson and him complimented each other in every way.
Can we take a moment to appreciate the musical genius of Brian Jackson?This must be the most unique instrumental i've ever heard
PapaDayZ Koi - and in 1977, you see a lot of creativity back in the day, they used all kinds of methods to make noise without the help of a computer, it's beautiful and it becomes iconic
@@forjimmykimmel9269 music also hits different when it’s real instruments on the track
Facts !
Can't believe this masterpiece is on GTA V now.
😉 Masterpieces belong on GTA...
trueee
It's mostly West Coast music
What station lol
@@roeilallbeeharry8316 Music Locker
This man is soooo UNDERRATED..We need this in these days.
Yeah we do
@@JohnnysHorrorShow89 truly.
Gil Scott Heron was a genius until the very end.
The other side don’t want shit like this to reincarnate
One of the greatest sounding synths and the best playing of synth ever recorded. It literally cuts through my body
real shit lmao
It’s a great synth sound and solo
yo it amazes me how this song is about a 1966 event and yet it is TIMELESS.. impossible for it to get old
Emu Legs ‘66
this comment aged like wine
It’s simple.
When a music piece is good it typically never gets “old”
A total classic of a song, a giant song from a giant of a man, who gave a shit and was brave enough to tell the world how it really is.
+Simon Littlejohn And like all freedom fighters he paid with his life. One Love
He died at a reasonable age, and was not shot, nor did he die of any suspect causes. It may have been pneumonia as a consequence of being HIV positive, but by 2011 that had become part of life for so many. His biography The Last Holiday came out in 2012.
Leen Hintjens thanx 4 info. I've been looking 4 sum book bout this gr8 man
Leen Hintjens thank u
he was wrong, though
That ghostly synth is omnipotent.
Its so badass. its got me coming nack again and again. It starts simple and gets more and more impressive in each verse until its just utterly brilliant and beautiful. Sounds like an Electro Harmonics mutron that Stevie Wonder and Jerry Garcia made famous. But hearing on this kind of synth is a different, smoother kind of sound that is just delicious.
The legendary Tonto
For real
It yearns and beckons one's soul
Aye, if this was in your recommended videos, you're a real one! We all in this together. ❤
"We Almost Lost Detroit"...
*can't have shit in Detroit.*
cant even have detroit in detroit
@@thefishreloaded 😂 beat me to it
Man facts ✊🏽
WE IN A RECESSION!!!
Cant have Detroit in shit.
this is one of the most beautiful songs i've ever heard!
Sometimes I appreciate how over saturated the music market is with garbage because it makes gems like this shine 10 times brighter.
seriously one of the greatest songs ever made nothing will ever match the feeling this song creates, so unique yet so familiar
This is some true O.G. music. Music which makes you think about our problems as a people and how to resolve our issues instead of feeding seeds of evil to our youth and communities. Some of those old-school 70's classics makes shed a tear or two sometimes when I think about all of the struggles us Blacks and Chicanos go through. And it also hurts to see where we have gone musically!!!
This kind of music is not allowed to come out now, it's too powerful
@@jaystinger3970 real shit that’s why you can’t find this version on any streaming platforms too much knowledge born here
@@jaystinger3970 there is modern music just as introspective as this you just arent listening to it
@@awryri what modern songs would you compare to this?
Agreed...Respect from Italy
Just discovered this gem. Suddenly the afternoon is melting away in the smoothest of fashions...
Keep on groovin' brothers & sisters.
Right on
Right on
Shae Akso Bless up
What a beautiful brother. The last time I saw him, he was seating across from me in a New York subway. It was obvious that he was strung out on heroin.
I felt broken hearted but I understood that so much beautiful poetry emanated from a very painful place. Rest In Peace brother!
That's how it works. A great artist comes from the deep.
Eso fue triste de leer
wow that's crazy. sadly that is probably how he contracted the disease that ended up killing him :(
🧢
No need to underscore his personal challenges, but I hear you.
I don't think we know how privileged we are to be able to listen to this song.
Effortlessly. A true virtuoso
I swear I love finding new music
(LYRICS)
It stands out on a highway
Like a Creature from another time.
It inspires the babies' questions,
"What's that?"
For their mothers as they ride.
But no one stopped to think about the babies
Or how they would survive,
And we almost lost Detroit
This time.
How would we ever get over
Loosing our minds?
Just thirty miles from Detroit
Stands a giant power station.
It ticks each night as the city sleeps
Seconds from anniahlation.
But no one stopped to think about the people
Or how they would survive,
And we almost lost Detroit
This time.
How would we ever get over
Over loosing our minds?
The sherrif of Monroe county had,
Sure enough disasters on his mind,
And what would karen Silkwood say
If she was still alive?
That when it comes to people's safety
Money wins out every time.
And we almost lost Detroit
This time, this time.
How would we ever get over
Over loosing our minds?
You see, we almost lost Detroit
That time.
Almost lost Detroit
That time.
And how would we ever get over...
Cause odds are,
We gonna loose somewhere, one time.
Odds are
We gonna loose somewhere sometime.
And how would we ever get over
Loosing our minds?
And how would we ever get over
Loosing our minds?
Didn't they, didn't they decide?
Almost lost Detroit
That time.
Damn near totally destroyed,
One time.
Didn't all of the world know?
Say didn't you know?
Didn't all of the world know?
Say didn't you know?
We almost lost detroit...
Blowing up Detroit
🙏🙏🤙🤙🤙 Thanks
Lose* thanks tho
And what would Karen Silkwood would say to you if she was still Alive!!!!
This is like laying out in the grass watching the clouds pass over head.
The mushroom clouds, yes.
@@Fireflyepic Good One^^
FireFly Epic The mushrooms liked me and showed me a wonderful time 😛😇😁😃😀😅😅😂😊😜
@@tootellustraight Let me guess, you're on shrooms right now? And, also, that's not what I was referring to.
FireFly Epic Lol. I see your referring to them nasty mushrooms clouds!! There not funny at all 🤬🤯😳😳🥵🥶. Not on the shrooms right now no. It was just once handed to me at a work Christmas party in 1996. Take epic care fire fly 😎
Thank you to the TH-cam algorithm to suggest this to me, I am forever grateful🙏🙏
man what a loss...this man was onto/into some music like no one else...before or since! I remember the first time I heard this and still, almost 40 years ago, it still gets me!! I hope your troubled soul is resting peacefully somewhere with lots of other great artists...
+Jerry Sullivan X2 Jerry, I remember buying his album Secrets 40 years ago and it just blew me away. Deep very deep, still listen to it every once in awhile.
@@romaboy5872 two years later, I hope they get it now
Rest in peace, paradise, positivity, prosperity, love, happiness, joy, abundance and miracles
Well said Brother
This shit is beautiful man. Actually brings a tear to my eye
Definitely agree
Yes Sir
looks like it brought a tear to both
We are losing Ohio rn. Decades old song but still relevant word by word.
I instantly thought about this song when I first heard about the disaster.
I was just in Cincinnati yesterday god damn life is great
only in ohio
I hear you
NY going in reverse again
God Bless keep the faith
Strength n Wisdom
We lost Ohio and the entire Midwest after the double killer of NAFTA and heroin
Beautiful. I'm embarrassed to admit that I just heard this for the first time and of course, me still being an older hip hop head, that sample at 1:55 jumped right out at me!
Kanye used for Common's The People
I’d say 0:30 is more older-head sample lol (well at least to Gen Z it is)
@@rtoriqWhat song used that sample?
@@TJ-qc8mkBrown Skin Lady - Blackstar
@@TJ-qc8mkBlack Star on Brown skin lady also Common idk what song tho
Gil is the truth, one of the realest to ever bless this earth.
123reletive123 truth brother
Preach
Fully agreed....A greeting from Italy
I have to listen to one of his songs at least once a day. His music makes you so aware. I only wish I had gotten into his music sooner. R.I.P. you will be missed.
"When it comes to people's safety, money wins out every time..."
One wise potato
1 year later, still holds true.
I remember this was one of the few songs I could listen to on the school laptops that wasn't blocked on TH-cam during my senior year in 2019, I haven't stopped listening since then so damn good.
2020 here we are
This is beyond Heaven. I feel stoned without smoking.
I'm a 62yr old white Central Jersey musician that was blessed with enough urban radio stations in the '70's to hear "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and search this genius out. G.S.H. taught me you could do poetry & music and MAKE IT COUNT. And yeah, a lot of head-shakers when I would say "You gotta listen to THIS!"
why was this taken off spotify :(
probably some stupid copyright thing, those laws will be changing eventually.
Yeah they'll be changing.... As soon as you Spotify supporters and your ingenious corporation figure out a way to give these artists 0¢ Instead of the measly sum of 2¢ they're currently making off these songs..
@@lackofawillmy bad bro lemme just go speak to mr spotify about that
I still have it on there
If you were a real audiophile, you'd get your own music (vinyl only -- closest thing to the live recording) and a system and turntable to play it on so you don't rely on some "website". Your ears don't know what they've been missing listening to this compressed digital crap. Just saying.
my girlfriend used to have this song on one of her playlists... damn I miss her.
Ur girl was hip to a phenomenal artist
Thank you, Gil, for being a driving force for rap and hip-hop, as your innovative style laid the groundwork for these genres. Your courage in addressing social issues has inspired generations of artists to promote change. Your legacy endures as a source of inspiration for those seeking to use art as a tool for positive change.
“When it comes to people’s safety, money wins out every time” #covid19
Creature From Another Time^^
But it doesn't have to, we can Choose to do the Right thing each and every time❤
“All I wanna say is, they don’t really care about us.”
-Mr. Jackson
I was about to quote that
my fave part of the song
makes so much sense with what we are living with the virus
This song is real deep and you almost feel like your soul has left your body and you are one with the universe....
Gil Scott Heron spoke a truth other didn't and did it so beautifully.
@@FrancoMendozaSpeaker lmao
@@FrancoMendozaSpeaker I agree. Explain so I may have complete understanding of ur comment.
@@russellh6677 I believe you are right. It's a true voice of the nation irregardless of who I am. Thanks for humbling me.
@@martinsplichal1581 I love understanding and unconscious competence. I am a simple servant for PEOPLE. Thx. Stay in touch. I love the bantering!
His voice so smooth and relaxing
Common - The People sampled at 01:55 - 02:00
I don't know about that. I think it was just that one song that had a GSH sample.
Good catch, I noticed that one day while stoned jamming out to GSH lol
they used a part in the beginning for "Brown Skin Lady" by Blackstar
Justin Benoit i knew it as soon as i heard it!
and 1:12 and 1:24
I discoveres Gil's music in 2019. It's powerful, yet heartbreaking. Especially in 2024, when we've seen his words become prophecy. Gil never misses, IMO.
Gil Scott-Heron, Brian Jackson and The Midnight Band. I never just listen to them, I dive in and learn. Gil was so far ahead of his time that we ain't caught up YET.....
Gil Scott's poetry is amazing. He truly is a founding father of hip hop/ rap
How so? *****
Oh, well. His music is actually called Proto-Rap. Rap was actually productized in 79, his music is blues and jazz but his music was one of the main influences to bring in lyrics towards rap. ***** I didn't mean it literally, I meant it metaphorically.
Mmm, I hate to say it but that's wrong homie g-funk is like what Dr Dre and Snoop Dog use to do.
+Terrell Oliver Like Jazz before it, Hip hop evolved from the fusion of a numerous influences - one of which was undoubtedly Gil Scott Heron. A true pioneer!
+Terrell Oliver you have heard him recite his poetry right? This can't be the only song of his you've heard
Who’s still here 2020 I was a little girl 👧🏽 singing with my daddy the whole album ! GLAD I can introduce you to other people in my life people I don’t even know it’s on my Music list on TH-cam and I see a lot of people downloaded this particular song must hear all of his music so beautiful so real so as a matter of fact so FYI! Love ❤️ Peace ✌🏽 & Joy ! God is Good🙏🏾💛🧚🏿♀️👼🏽 Rest In Power Daddy Thank you for being the Best dad in the world 🌎 🤴🏾
Real music lives on for ages it’s 2024 I’m 23 and this is what grounds me a Smokey room and a glass of scotch sets this mood
Gil Scott Heron - We almost Lost Detroit
It stands out on a highway
Like a creature from another time
It inspires the babies' questions
"What's that?"
For their mothers as they ride
But no one stopped to think about the babies
Or how they would survive
And we've almost lost Detroit
This time
How would we ever get over
Losing our minds?
Just thirty miles from Detroit
Stands a giant power station
It ticks each night as the city sleeps
Seconds from annihilation
But no one stopped to think about the people
Or how they would survive
And we almost lost Detroit
This time
How would we ever get over
Over losing our minds?
The sherriff of Monroe county had
Sure enough disasters on his mind
And what would Karen Silkwood say
If she was still alive?
That when it comes to people's
Money wins out every time
And we've almost lost Detroit
This time, this time
How would we ever get over
Over losing our minds?
You see, we almost lost Detroit
That time
Almost lost Detroit
That time
And how would we ever get over
'Cause odds are
We gonna lose somewhere, one time
Odds are
We gonna lose somewhere, sometime
And how would we ever get over
Losing our minds?
And how would we ever get over
Losing our minds?
Didn't they, didn't they decide?
Almost lost Detroit
That time
Damn near totally destroyed
One time
Didn't all of the world know
Say didn't you know
Didn't all of the world know
Say didn't you know
When we almost lost Detroit
"When it comes to people safety, money out wins everytime!" -
Gil Scott Heron
True dat...Unfortunately
Cause we never get over, losing our minds.
Same story over and over again.
Big G even though you have gone to another level I still listen to your music everyday it kinda inspires me as things that you were talking about are happened today still exist you will never be forgotten in my world of music you inspire me and I do plan to practice music and play a saxophone hopefully I will be able to play it to one of your song that you were singing it
beautiful
I don’t know a fraction of Gil scott heron and I hate it. This is some serious musical knowledge that everybody should be a part of and I believe it is what truly connects us
0:44 "Whats that?" He sound so cute there
If you’re reading this,
This’ll probably hurt yer feelings but I was supremely blessed to have the opportunity to see him with BRian Jackson and the midnight band for a back to back, two-set, candlelit-intimate live performance at Yoshi’s in Oakland, California in 1998 🙏🏼
Unbelievably lucky
Incredible sets replete with deep jazz-laced improvisatory excursions by his band members and GSH’s token repartee with the audience...
Omgoodness!..
Met the man afterwards and shook his hand.
Greatest show I’ve ever been to.
If your reading this, it'll probably hurt your feelings but......I smoked a joint with Gil backstage at SOBs in NYC
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Yoshis. Really hoping that it comes back once this pandemic is over.
Why would this hurt our feelings? Not everyone is bitter and jealous, im happy you got to see him live
I Maybe 15 yrs old but I love old school. I'm so glad that my mom introduced me to this song.
One of my all time favorite. Everything about this song is perfect
dude.... why the neo nazi shit on your profile? at least get rid off that for your favorites.
the beginning of the song is so magical
I’m upset that this version is not on Spotify
It is on my Spotify :)
They only have the live. It's good but I think the bass in the back makes this the better version
I'm upset that people rely so exclusively on Spotify for music that listening to a song via other means is considered an inconvenience. It's kind of concerning, honestly.
@@tonyrigatoni766 for fluid playlists it’s an issue
Used to play “the people” by Common on repeat as a teen. I just found this song and realized this was the sample they used for that beat. Full circle more than a decade later. Gotta love it ❤
That’s one of my favorite cutts💯🙌🏽
I listen to alot of music.. and it's not often that a song stops me in my tracks like this song did...
This song put me on another plane ❤️ the synths, Gil's voice and the song as a whole is a work of art.. my god...
This song -- the lyrics and the sounds -- gives you goosebumps. Beautiful and relevant.
This song always put me in a place, you know? This is art, guys. Listen closely. It can changes mind and hearts.
Such a brilliant Human so far ahead of his Time!
This is as Soul as Soul gets. Man I love some Soul music.
listening to this from heart of Detroit. I don't know why but this feels so sad and hopeful, just like the state of this city.
It stands out on a highway
Like a creature from another time
It inspires the babies' questions-"what's that?"
For their mothers as they ride
But no one stopped to think about the babies or
How they would survive, and we
Almost lost Detroit this time
How would we ever get over
Losing our minds?
Just thirty miles from Detroit
There stands a giant power station
It ticks each night as the city sleeps
Seconds from annihilation
But no one stopped to think about the people
Or how they would survive, and we
Almost lost Detroit this time
How would we ever get over
Over losing our minds?
The sheriff of Monroe county had
I'm sure enough disasters on his mind
And what would Karen Silkwood say to you
If she was still alive?
That when it comes to people's safety
Money wins out every time
And we almost lost Detroit
This time, this time
How would we ever get over
Over losing our minds?
You see, we almost lost Detroit
That time
Almost lost Detroit
That time
And how would we ever get over...
‘Cause, odds are
We’re gonna lose somewhere one time
Odds are
We’re gonna lose somewhere sometime
And how would we ever get over
Losing our minds?
And how would we ever get over
Losing our minds?
Didn't they, didn't they decide?
When we almost lost Detroit
That time
Damn near totally destroyed
One time
People all over the world know
Say, didn't you know?
People all over the world know
Say, didn't you know when?
We almost lost Detroit
Damn near totally destroyed
Yes, or will one morning
See it clear as day
I’m sitting here, giving you a warning
Marcelo Duarte thank you!!!
Salamat sa lyrics!
Groovy!!!💕💕🔥🔥🔥🔥
Truly original.. seen this amazing man three times live.. no words can express my gratitude. Rip Gil.
I live in China now but our home is in Milan, MI and I taught in Detroit and I just feel this music always.
I was shock when I found this record in my grand mother’s record cabinet, has the original album and is able to play surprisingly...
@@WillieDuitt1 this is serious music with a purpose. not some bullshit to "smoke a doobie" to.
this is such an important song
Shouts out to Gil...and old man Gil as we used to call him for those of us who grew up on 6mile...and used to go to Gayle's crib. First concert I ever went to...Kenny took me (RIP)....Gayle was at my mom's funeral and I'll never for forget that hug and conversation... I'll never forget Reading the writings of Gil Sr. as a kid after gma died....when he talks about Detroit deeper than you think....I remember him coming HOME to do shows and him and my mother kicking it, saying to her..."Tootie...I love you and Kelvin." Soooo much I could never write it here...but my family...The Heron family (especially old man Gil) nourished me and taught me so much, and how to see myself different. I never told her, but I was always in love with Heather. Joey was always my guy...Kenny taught me so much....and old man Gil was a friend to my grandfather that I never got to meet and told me of him...soooo much I could say...not enough room😥
The way he comes in with the first 2 lines, he hit it perfectly.
MY HERO!!!
The true definition of "soul music"...
We need more singer songwriters helping us sort through the shit we’re in. The ability a good songwriter has to put you in someone else’s shoes, to see through a different set of eyes, it’s a conduit to empathy. I don’t know, I just don’t see today the kinda prolific thought provoking content put out by artists of the 60’s and 70’s. Thank God we have these wells on TH-cam to go back to and mind the gold of yester year. Stay safe, stay humble my fiends.
God spoke through you on that comment, family. And I'm an atheist.
We only get a genius like this once in a lifetime ✊🏿❤️🖤💚✊🏿
Well that's all it takes to birth hundreds of more geniuses: one.
My 16 years old son introduced me to this Gil Scott pearl. Merci Jules ! ;)
The grooves and vibes of the 70's, nothing better till this day!
Gotta love it! Especially this smooth jazz
this song hits different when you’re cruising in los santos
As a kid growing up in Detroit and visiting relatives via car in many states connected via highway, we passed this scene (Power Plant) many times and this song so encompasses the feeling one gets when these "creatures" come out from nowhere. Folks talk about auras, I could tell when we were getting near their power it was like a rumble within one's spirit.
In case yall were wondering
"Gil Scott-Heron was referring to a partial nuclear meltdown that occurred at the Fermi 1 nuclear power plant near Monroe, Michigan, about 30 miles from Detroit, in 1966.
The song's lyrics discuss the dangers and near disaster of this nuclear accident. While there was no widespread release of radioactivity, the accident was considered serious. The plant suffered a partial fuel meltdown due to a combination of equipment malfunction and operator error.
Scott-Heron used this event to critique the development of nuclear power in general, highlighting the potential risks and catastrophic consequences of nuclear accidents, especially with plants located near major population centers like Detroit. The song became an anthem for anti-nuclear activists.
The title of the song was also used for a 1975 book by John G. Fuller about the accident, and likely inspired Scott-Heron's musical treatment of the topic a couple years later. His song shone a spotlight on the incident and contributed to ongoing public concerns and debates about the safety of nuclear energy."
Damn bro thanks for that
Thank you for your information thank you
Here in Oregon in 1977 we were trying to shut down Trojan Nuclear Power Plant. The engineers had built it upon a fault line right on the banks of the beautiful Jewel of the Pacific! the Columbia river Gorge!
This song was a huge supporting factor in our success. Though I was just a kid in 77, I was there at rallies with my mom. My sister & I fell asleep to this song specifically as it had an important environmental message to convey. The very notes of this song nourished a hopeful vigilance within my dreams.
To this day I give thanks to my upbringing by staying engaged in all environmental actions. The unborn generations that are coming into this world need us..for we, brothers & sisters, are their stewards, we are their parents, we are their community! We can gift them a far healthier World through our acts on this Earth Now!
Love and freedom require a clean earth, clean air, & clean water!
@@BushyHairedStrangerhow on earth could they have greenlit a nuclear power plant above a fault line
@@rayres1074 PGE (Portland General Electric) contracted Hoffmann Construction to build Trojan at that insane location knowing full well it was atop a tectonic plate. PGE obviously fooled voters into supporting this schizophrenic endeavor. Thankfully Nuclear awareness was starting to bloom across the world with concerns over meltdowns, earthquakes, terrorist attacks & other unpredictable unforeseen insanity. Oregon regulators paid no mind to what would’ve become, eventually, a catastrophic nuclear holocaust event in the last frontier state on Earth-Oregon. Trojan threatened to pollute the pristine drinking waters of the the Colombia River, the Willamette River, and every Species of Wildlife who rely upon clean water to survive. The native Salmon population would’ve been made extinct. So we Oregonians fought to stop the Power Plant & eventually detonated the Cooling tower in 2006. Its demise was videotaped and is available here on youtube.
Nuclear Energy in action on Earth exists well outside humans ability to control or contain its waste & destruction. Hiroshima & Nagasaki were humanities biggest failures. We DIDN’T need to use those weapons. We were strangling Japan of its needed resources and they were conferencing on submissions of defeat two weeks prior to dropping those f***ing bombs.
Ever since that awful mistake we humans have been a fucking virus on the planet. We are killing everything including ourselves.
God I miss Gil... his voice, his music, his soul... Rest in Peace brother, you will not be forgotten
I’m 23 years old. Anxious about the current state of the world. Damn what a song. Makes me think about how it relates to the ongoing war right now.
thank the universe for allowing me to be graced by this beautiful record