Gil Scott-Heron

Port, musician, and writer -- via the Washington Post. Known today as "the godfather of hip hop," Scott-Heron slashed into prominence as a performer who would cut loose with brilliant streams of words against a background of jazz. His radical political statements made him a household word. Later, his career was slowed by drug addiction. Still, beautiful songs such as "I Think I'll Call It Morning" and "Lady Day and John Coltrane" were inspirational. A great soul.