Musician, writer and political activist Gil Scott-Heron passed away in New York this weekend at the age of 62.

Gil Scott-Heron was born in Chicago. A highly influential and widely admired singer, proto-rapper, jazz pianist, published poet, novelist and socio-political commentator, Scott-Heron was a unique and major figure in global music. With over twenty albums to his name, his politically charged output won him an international following. His work illuminates a philosophy of life that holds human affection as well as political and artistic responsibility the underlying factors that inspired his writing.

Publisher and Managing Director of Canongate Books, Jamie Byng, has written a moving tribute to his friend at the Guardian. Author Adam Mansbach (Go the F**k to Sleep) has also shared his thoughts on Scott-Heron’s death in a piece here.