Gil Scott-Heron was a soul and jazz poet, musician, and author known as one of the most important progenitors of rap music, aggressive, no-nonsense street poetry that inspired a legion of intelligent rappers. He has been called ‘the black Bob Dylan.’
WINTER IN AMERICA
From the Indians who welcomed the pilgrims And to the buffalo who once ruled the plains Like the vultures circling beneath the dark clouds Looking for the rain Looking for the rain
Just like the cities staggered on the coastline Living in a nation that just can’t stand much more Like the forest buried beneath the highway Never had a chance to grow Never had a chance to grow
And now it’s winter Winter in America Yes and all of the healers have been killed Or sent away, yeah But the people know, the people know It’s winter Winter in America And ain’t nobody fighting ‘Cause nobody knows what to save Save your soul, Lord knows From Winter in America
The Constitution A noble piece of paper With free society Struggled but it died in vain And now Democracy is ragtime on the corner Hoping for some rain Looks like it’s hoping Hoping for some rain
And I see the robins Perched in barren treetops Watching last-ditch racists marching across the floor But just like the peace sign that vanished in our dreams Never had a chance to grow Never had a chance to grow
And now it’s winter It’s winter in America And all of the healers have been killed Or been betrayed Yeah, but the people know, people know It’s winter, Lord knows It’s winter in America And ain’t nobody fighting ‘Cause nobody knows what to save Save your souls From Winter in America
And now it’s winter Winter in America And all of the healers done been killed or sent away Yeah, and the people know, people know It’s winter Winter in America And ain’t nobody fighting ‘Cause nobody knows what to save And ain’t nobody fighting Cause nobody knows, nobody knows And ain’t nobody fighting ‘Cause nobody knows what to save
— Gill Scott-Heron
If you are interested in some great music, damn good poetry and a little history of this nation, check out the video — it’s all about holding on to your dreams.
“The Empathic Civilization is emerging. A younger generation is fast extending its empathic embrace beyond religious affiliations and national identification to include the whole of humanity and the vast project of life that envelops the Earth.”
The Double Bayou Dance Hall, “The Place”, where you could get good smoke brisket
and local women offered homemade pecan, lemon meringue and sweet potato pies. (October 19, 2002) — Image by kenne
Break Between Sets at the Double Bayou Dance Hall, “The Place” (May 25, 2003) — Image by kenne
But the most dangerous thing in the world is to run the risk of waking up one morning and realizing suddenly that all this time you’ve been living without really and truly living and by then it’s too late. When you wake up to that kind of realization, it’s too late for wishes and regrets. It’s even too late to dream.
Jimmy “T99” Nelson At Houston’s Rhythm Room On Washington Street (September 13, 2003) — Computer Art by kenne
Jimmy “T99” Nelson (April 7, 1919 – July 29, 2007)was an American jump blues and rhythm and blues shouter and songwriter.With a recording career that spanned over 50 years, Jimmy “T99” Nelson became a distinguished elder statesman of American music. His best known recordings are “T-99 Blues” and “Meet Me With Your Black Dress On”. Nelson notably worked with Duke Robillard and Otis Grand.
— Source: Wikipedia
Houston’s Trudy Lynn (October 24, 2002) — Image by kenne
This image of blues musician Trudy Lynn was taken at Fotofest 2002 in Houston’s warehouse district. This exhibit was of blues musicians (note image of Bonnie Raitt on the wall behind Trudy) and on this evening many of Houston’s blues greats were entertaining.
Calvin Owens, known for two periods of work as bandleader for blues legend B.B. King, A.J. Murphy who played with 60’s R&B band Archie Bell and the Drells and A.J.s wife Francine. Image by kenne
On Memorial Day I can’t help but think of our dear friends A.J and Francine Murphy and the image that appeared in the Houston Chronicle “Remembering The Fallen” on Memorial Day, 2009. Francine is probably in “quiet reflection” at the US Houston National Cemetery today.
On a clear desert night bright stars showcase the sky above — empty martini glass, the Bose sound of SRV guitar licks penetrates the night air, watching Live at Montreux ’85video on my MacBook Air.
— kenne
“SRV” Image by kenne
You know, there is something I’ve learned, all we have, ever, is to give each other our love — if we forget that we lose everything we’ve got.
Gill Scott-Heron — Grunge Art by kenne
Ray Bonneville at Ken & Mary’s Blues Project (November 14, 2009) — Image by kenne
Honky Tonk Angels — Computer Art by kenne
Texas Johnny Brown (February 22, 1928 – July 1, 2013) at the Big Easy, Houston, Texas (February 15, 2009)
Bayou Blues (Pete Mayes and John Broussard at Double Bayou Dance Hall, May, 2003) — Computer Painting by kenne)
The Double Bayou Dance Hall, “The Place”, where you could get good smoke brisket
Break Between Sets at the Double Bayou Dance Hall, “The Place” (May 25, 2003) — Image by kenne
Jimmy “T99” Nelson At Houston’s Rhythm Room On Washington Street (September 13, 2003) — Computer Art by kenne
