Gil Scott-Heron is the author of two novels, three books of poems, and a memoir. But he is perhaps best remembered as “the grandfather of rap,” the spoken word performer whose recordings in the 1970s influenced later generations of hip hop and soul artists.
His memoir is The Last Holiday (2012); his novels are The Nigger Factory (1972) and The Vulture (1970); his collections of lyrics and poems are Now and Then (2001), So Far, So Good (1990), and Small Talk at 125th and Lenox (1970). He recorded twelve albums.
Born in Chicago, Scott-Heron lived in Tennessee and New York before earning an MFA at Johns Hopkins University. In DC, he taught at Federal City College, which later became the University of the District of Columbia.
The Homes
1 Logan Circle NW, Washington, DC
This mansion, built in the Second Empire style, occupies a prominent position on the southwest side of Logan Circle (or as it was originally known, Iowa Circle). It was built by Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., the son of the 18th U.S. President, and later served as the Venezuelan Legation and a nursing home run by Seventh-Day Adventists. From 1949 until his death in 1967, the house was owned by Henry M. Letcher and his wife Evelyn Letcher, who opened it to the public as the Letcher Art Center, with classes in fine art, architectural drafting, and other commercial arts aimed at children and WWII veterans. After his father’s death, Henry Letcher, Jr. took over the mansion, populating it with other musicians such as himself. It was in this era that Gil Scott-Heron moved in. In 1998, the house was sold and converted to condominiums. The house is a contributing structure to the Logan Circle Historic District, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Gil Scott-Heron
1 Logan Circle NW
Located in Shaw/Logan Circle neighborhood, Northwest - East of Rock Creek