About
American jazz poet, musician, and spoken-word performer who is remembered for works such as The Last Holiday and Winter in America. He released his first studio album, Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, in 1970.
Before Fame
He attended Lincoln University because it was the alma mater of his literary idol, Langston Hughes.
Trivia
He released influential recordings right up until his death in 2011. His final work was the critically-acclaimed 2010 album, I'm New Here.
Family Life
His father, Gil, was a Jamaican soccer player.
Associated With
His spoken word poetic style influenced the work of Public Enemy's Chuck D and other rap and hip-hop artists.
