An interesting well documented area of 20th century American culture is the fallout from the Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘N Roll glory of the 60’s and 70’s. Pioneering Jazz/Soul poet Gil Scott Heron is one artist who has suffered greatly since the pinnacle of his creativity. He has had numerous drug arrests and has subsequently recorded a limited number of tracks since the mid-1980s. Gil recently (December ‘07) did a great NPR interview and discussed his recent problems only to be arrested once again for cocaine possesion. Unlike fellow drug addicts like Rick James and George Clinton, Gil Scott Heron never glorified drug abuse. In fact, a review of his cataloge reveals nothing but personal music about life, love, politics and the struggle with addiction. Any album from the 1970’s is highly recommended.
