Gil Scott-Heron – Live @ El Rey Theatre October 4, 2009

Rare footage of Gil Scott-Heron’s final concert in Los Angeles is being offered by Theo Jemison. The emotive visual captures the late music great performing timeless cuts such as “Winter In America,” “We Almost Lost Detroit” and “The Other Side” within an intimate setting at El Rey Theatre. KCRW’s Jeremy Sole, who functioned as a DJ on that memorable night, gives a short recount of the event below.

“Gil was never a brother to take the power of words lightly, and this monumental night was a shining example of his affective and explosive concoction of humor, intellect, wit and humility. It was one of my highest honors as a DJ to open up for him that night. We all knew we were being treated to an especially intimate show, a candid experience that turned the El Rey theatre into family time around his kitchen table. Perhaps it was the fact that his daughter Gia was in the crowd. The night was a future memory in the making. Little did we know that that would be the last time Los Angeles would have the honor of hearing, learning from, and laughing along with Gil. He passed shortly after this concert, but if bodies are temporary, words are eternal – and as a man of words Gil Scott-Heron is now a man of eternity. Rest In Peace, Gil.” – Jeremy Sole (KCRW)