Comments on: Ja A. Jahannes: Tribute Poem For Gil Scott-Heron

By: Ja A. Jahannes

Ja A. Jahannes — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 22:46:46 +0000

The tribute poem to my former student, Gil Scott-Heron has been included in my memoir anthology “WordSong Poets.” which has now been widely acclaimed. I am reminded that other poets inspire the poet in me. Ja A. Jahannes

By: Carl Cornwell

Carl Cornwell — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:30:49 +0000

Bravo, Ja! You have captured his essence. Although my contact with Gil during his life was intermittent, he was always present during the moments we shared. Sometimes he would hide behind a window as if to observe rather than receive my honest commentary on his – our – shared experiences. Even when you thought he was not paying attention, he would surprise you by summarizing, rebutting and reinterpreting what he had heard in far fewer words than were received by his brain. That is the Gil that I know. Nothing anyone says can change that.

By: Ja A. Jahannes

Ja A. Jahannes — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:37:18 +0000

Thanks to Karhrman Ziegenbein, Publisher of Toonari Media and News, for the opportunity for this posthumous salute to Gil Scott-Heron. I have received many acknowledgements for the sentiments expressed in "He Didn't Belong Here" from Gil's former classmates at Lincoln University (PA), his fellow musicians, friends and those who loved his music and his vision.

By: Jorja

Jorja — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:45:42 +0000

I was rellay confused, and this answered all my questions.

By: Storm

Storm — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 03:56:14 +0000

Fell out of bed feeling down. This has brigethend my day!

By: Selena McDay

Selena McDay — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:40:03 +0000

Wow!

It's no surprise that YOU were able to so perfectly "read" such an artistic force: Gil Scott-Heron! I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed once, albeit so briefly, Back in the mid '90's in Washington DC. while I was performing as the "house singer" at DC's premiere Jazz Club Takoma Station Tavern (better known to musicians and locals as "The Station") as they were leaving, one of the owners stopped briefly with Gil and introduced me. As I watched them make their way through the crowd towards the door, I remember feeling like I'd just been introduced to a piece of history! While I didn't know him personally, I felt like I'd been "feeling" him through HIS words, now YOUR words here confirm that I was!

Fantastic piece Ja!

By: Nathaniel Bracey

Nathaniel Bracey — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:47:58 +0000

A poignant tribute from one word warrior to another. Gil Scot Heron wrote many songs that should be considered classic, from Peace To You Brother, to From South Carolina to South Africa. He truly put poems to music. And his music was just as heavy as his poems. His death like any death of a good person is a loss and I believe Gil ranks with the best of the best poets the world has ever produced.

By: Roland Freeman

Roland Freeman — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:36:22 +0000

The wonderful, colorful friendship you developed with Gil in college, and your joy in watching his career blossom over the years and witnessing the significance of his powerful voice for change, all come through in this poem from the heart.

By: Mike Winderman

Mike Winderman — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:53:05 +0000

Thank You for such a fitting poem. Gil was a dear family friend,and was nice enough to give me my first music lesson at the age of six.

By: Ja A. Jahannes

Ja A. Jahannes — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:37:09 +0000

I would never have known Gil if you had not given me- a young, recently discharged vet – a J-O-B at Lincoln University (PA). You helped countless numbers of young people from several continents in your long career in academic administration. Much respect, Dr. Winderman!

By: Ja A. Jahannes

Ja A. Jahannes — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:50:38 +0000

It is a great photo, indeed. Thanks to the staff of Toonari Media and News, and Stuart Madeley's photos. It is a marvelous portrait of the elder Gil.

By: Martha Oriz

Martha Oriz — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:24:37 +0000

What a wonderful tribute. Not only the poem is excellent but what a photograph!

By: BNW

BNW — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:24:08 +0000

BRAVO! Captures the complexities of the "MAN," Gil Scott-Heron, who likewise in his lyrics expressed the burning truth of pain, darkness and hope experienced by the struggles of Black America. As revealed in "Rivers of My Fathers," he is out of this confusion and home; wherever that may be for a man of his brilliance.

By: james [ed] craig

james [ed] craig — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:00:36 +0000

not only was he a great poet [whom you knew personaly] you are a great person for

the moving tribute

By: JoAnne Poole

JoAnne Poole — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:08:55 +0000

What a wonderful tribute. I'm sorry I did not have the opportunity to meet him personally but your tribute helped me to know a little about the man and your friend, Gil Scott-Heron. Thanks for sharing.

By: brenda

brenda — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:50:16 +0000

Wonderful poem that captures what Gil left for us. I once heard a friend ask why can't today's youth listen to someone like Gil. I told him that each generation has its muse, there is someone for everytrime. Gil Scott took us through the late 20th century Republican era and showed there could be hope in the struggle. He's gone now, but not before he too saw the nation's first President of African desenct. It's morning in America ! Nice work Ja. Looking forward to your book.

By: Bettye Lindo

Bettye Lindo — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:17:50 +0000

What a lovely tribute for a troubled soul. May he rest now in peace. And Jahannes continue your poignant documentations of our exquisite joys and poinful sorrows.

By: Aberjhani

Aberjhani — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 19:50:56 +0000

Much gratitude Brother Jahannes for this moving tribute to Gil Scott-Heron. How fortunate the great Scott-Heron was to benefit from the guidance of your knowledge and wisdom during his youth. And how blessed his soul is now to have the words of this poetic benediction from his teacher’s very own hands––as heavy with sorrow as they may have become when learning of his passing–– to confirm the creative beauty, the powerful sincerity, and fierce courageousness that validated Gil Scott-Heron’s passage through this world.

He has not, of course, left us forever because he had already re-embodied himself in his music, his literary works, and his fierce social advocacy. Someone somewhere will always sing or weep or speak with a voice that he helped to make possible , just as your voice helped to make his and many others’ so very beautifully possible.

Aberjhani

author of The River of Winged Dreams

and co-author of Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance

By: Earle Winderman

Earle Winderman — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:00:48 +0000

This is beautiful. Your eulogy captured the very essence of spiderman. He is totally recognizable. A good piece of work.

By: Joan Winderman

Joan Winderman — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:43:19 +0000

You loved him and he seems to have deserved it. What a force. And how exciting to be a witness from the beginning. I love potential, it doesn't have to go beyond that for me.