Gil Scott-Heron, the hugely influential musician and poet, has died suddenly at the age of 62.
As yet, the cause of death has not been confirmed, though BBC News reports the songwriter fell ill after a recent trip to Europe.
Heron’s wide-reaching journey through musical genres during his long career has influenced and inspired countless bands and artists from all corners of the sonic landscape, something already being reflected in the tributes being paid.
Writing on Twitter, US superstar Eminem wrote ‘RIP Gil Scott-Heron. He influenced all of hip-hop,’ while singer Cee Lo Green has said, ‘Rest in peace to the GOD GIL SCOTT,’ and Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe added, ‘Can’t find the right words to properly honour the late great Gil Scott-Heron so I’ll just say thank you. GSH RIP.’
Heron enjoyed much critical acclaim with the release of the album ‘I’m New Here‘ last year, his first record of original material in sixteen years. The LP was included in Live4ever’s look back at some of the essential releases of 2010.