Who Did It Better? - Gil Scott-Heron vs. Esther Phillips (1971/1972)

[@lancebeamon9729]

Well, considering the fact both of these iconic artist were unfortunately singing from personal experience, I'd say it's a tie. With that said, I have the utmost respect and love for the both of them. I miss them both.

[@everettwilson1416]

Me too

[@davidmuhammad8960]

Reelblack, you're are a remarkable curator of our culture. Salute!

[@djdiamondty]

Agreed.

[@Alma-999]

True Indeed

[@sunrah4469]

Got to give it to Gil. He wrote it and knew how he wanted it to sound.

[@elident7828]

I agree wholeheartedly!!!

[@shonnonwootensr.7762]

Gil wrote it from the heart while he experienced it! He got my vote 👍🏿✊🏿

[@ernesthardison3610]

I still like Esther's better

[@GrandMadame]

They both lived and owned this song.

[@FRUGALNISTA]

They both beat ANYTHING being played on any bodies radio in 2021. I’m a 70’s baby and can listen to this type of soul filled music nonstop. Can’t pick or how about this I won’t pick 😉💕

[@CurlsandThings]

I completely agree 🙂

[@chickentunna]

Yesss!!! 👏🏾👏🏾

[@nitab5734]

Yes 70’s baby😊

[@Alma-999]

How 'bout that? 🙏🏼

[@josephbutler3577]

I'm a 70's baby I'm going to say both did it well.im going with gil Scott But after listening to gil Scott.it almost wants to go fight

[@metrobrown7255]

Gil alright. He has that special voice which cannot be replicated like many legends in his generation

[@escdeez2649]

GREATEST EVER

[@khalilahwestindies2224]

Very true

[@jeromelockhart5454]

First, both artist are legendary in their own right. I have to go with the original, it feels more impactful coming from Gil because he was living thru the hell of drug addiction.

[@politicalassassin7254]

Right on! But Esther struggled with addiction as well

[@jeromelockhart5454]

@@politicalassassin7254 Yes, I agree. That generation of artist was devastated by drug addiction.

[@kenyaw93]

First time hearing both, Esther looks like preacher wife from which way is up, but Mr.Gill has a great voice. Thanks for the introduction

[@lindabarnes-walker7447]

Wasn't the original Esther Phillips 🤔

[@jr2no1waters-watson65]

I grew up listening to both throughout the sixties, seventies, and occasionally throughout the decades. I love them both respectively and don't view Artist as to who is the better, but on the merits of their respective performances.

[@aintnoway3467]

I'm torn. Gil for the inspiration and hope Esther for grief and sadness.

[@christafarism]

Can you believe it?? Music made by musicians! Singers that sing! Not models. Songs that narrorate truth as oppose to bling! WTF happened to BLK music, bro. All I hear is garbage. And I'm 35.

[@aintnoway3467]

@@christafarismUnfortunately , Entertainment over art is what has happened.

[@Soul_Education]

@@christafarism They simply sold out!

[@bassman1219]

I love both versions but Gil wrote it and played it on a piano.... so therefore I think his rendition was coming from his heart .......however Esther is very inspirational in terms of what she really felt because she was also an addict

[@christafarism]

@@Soul_Education kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZurnJ5jjNiKsNE. This might be the reason. What do u think?

[@Karma-iz4ir]

Thanks so much for exposing me to this woman. ❤ Her discography is amazing. What a unique voice.

[@CurlsandThings]

I only recently discovered Esther’s version - I had only known Scott’s my entire life. The pain and passion in voice has always resonated with me. However, I appreciate the soulful jazzy tone of Esther’s version. Both are great though !

[@theresataylor5768]

I love Esters version,she sang it from deep in her soul!

[@msjgs07]

My vote is for Gil Scott Heron's version. Gil Scott heron's vocal and the musical arrangement expresses the anguish, pain and vulnerability of someone going through addition. The song still touches my heart😪

[@allbarzent]

More natural unpaused

[@57dogsbody]

Esther was a life long addict and sings to express only herself. I don't think people could get their heads around Esther. She panders to nobody, she doesn't have what is considered a beautiful face (in todays media culture), but she was the real thing, and much better and more interesting for it. I'm copping out , I can't name a winner.

[@josephbutler3577]

After listening to gil scott.almost makes you want to go fight

[@justinwilson8308]

Esther Philips's version is what we liked, Gil Scott's version is what we needed

[@phaedrussmith1949]

It seems that doing a “who did it better” about this song minimizes the song and the artists who performed it. Both were addicts, and the song is about their respective experiences of addiction. Scott-Heron, of course, is the original author and it was released on his “Pieces of a Man” album (credit to Brian Jackson for the music) in 1970. It is a brutally honest look at the drug addiction that followed him through life. He died in 2011 at 62 years of age from HIV, a virus he probably got from a dirty needle. That album was and continues to be a powerful, powerful musical work. Meanwhile somewhere out there was Esther Phillips, the former “Little Esther,” who’s early talent was overshadowed by the tragedy and horror that has become the standard of someone too young finding herself immersed in the world of the music business life. Plagued by heroin addiction, and in and out of rehab and jails, in 1971 she was clean and sober and so Kudo Records put her in the studio the result of which was the album “From a Whisper to a Scream” on which she recorded this cover, another brutally honest account of her own drug addiction. It was nominated for a Grammy in 1972, but unfortunately was up against Aretha Franklin and because everyone knew who Aretha was and pretty much nobody knew Esther, Aretha was awarded the Grammy. However, Aretha knew who Esther was, and knew that her record that year was superior in the same way that everyone who actually understands the album knows it is superior, backstage gave the Grammy to Esther stating: “This should have gone to you.” It’s one of the classiest things that has ever been done in the record business. Esther died in 1984 at only 48 years old due to complications from years of drug use. I just think it takes away from this song to do a “who did it better” analysis.

[@albertamartin1750]

Ur comment was very informative, thanks.

[@lion_jah]

Ditto regarding the information. The comparison of songs tho' could just be judged according to ones personal taste no? - without meaning any disrespect to either. Aficionados might disagree obviously, originals are rarely bettered and attempts to are usually dismissed out of hand.

[@MrNewktrane]

Gil was not an addict when he wrote this classic song for the " Pieces Of A Man" Album. I'm reminded about now of a later quote from the man himself: " Those who have attempted to summarize my recording career, need to attend more summer school".

[@bluesquirrel3919]

Sorry, I love both versions, won't choose. Also, heard Esther's version first. But, most of all, just love the lyrics. Thanks Gil for your genius 💜 Rest in Paradise 💜

[@bassreeves2410]

a poet of the highest level. rip gil

[@HobbsBhipp]

I wonder if you live in Brazil, hmmm.

[@jntj3007]

Hard to choose between these two. Both were great artists who each made exceptional renditions of this classic.

[@robwinn6862]

R.I.P Gil !!!

[@nochaser1641]

Esther Phillips!!!❤️😎😍🍰🤗✅💃🏾🕺🏾❤️😎😍👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🎉👏🏾😎😇😇

[@igabbbyy]

Both are phenomenal artist but I would go with Gil. He’s the originator and it was more impactful. You can hear the pain in his voice.

[@manmade28]

He wrote this song for a veteran voice like the late Little Esther Phillips, who started as a young superstar and fought her way through drug addiction and life's sorrows. Her stage performances were out of this world!

[@jessediaz1293]

Both. I can’t choose. I’m gonna die alone.🤣😂 But I will say there has never been anyone that’s come close to Gil Scott-Heron and his words.

[@MrsGeri90]

Esther Phillips all the way.!!! This one of my favorite songs.

[@Brwnslk]

They both hit me in different places

[@Riogi]

They both did a great job and added their own special essence to the song. Ms. Phillips died in 1984 and Mr. Scott-Heron passed away in 2011. May they rest in peace.

[@BlakeGildaphish76]

Gil will always have my heart when it comes to this song. i didn't know of any other version until now. Having said that, Esther did a good job.

[@NURREDIN]

What made Esther's so special was the recording magic of Rudy van Gelder, One of the three greatest recording engineers of pop music (The other two being Bruce Swedien and Al Schmitt). Both are excellent versions. Gil's show the emotions of the original creator of the song.Gil's recording is more raw and emotional. It's obvious the Creed Taylor production of Esther's had a larger budget. Next time maybe you could do "Baby I'm for Real" by Motown's Originals,and by Esther on the same album with the Pointer Sisters singing background.

[@NURREDIN]

P.S Bruce Swedien did all of Michael Jackson's recordings with Quincy Jones,along with George Benson's "Give Me The Night". Most of the albums produced by Quincy Jones had Bruce doing the engineering. Al Schmitt did Benson's "Breezin'" (Produced by Tommy LiPuma)along with most of the recordings by Natalie Cole and Diana Krall,along with Nat King Cole and some Frank Sinatra recordings.

[@politicalassassin7254]

Man you preaching the gospel...I bought this album by esther phillips her version of I'm for real is nice when I bought her album last year on vinyl that's the 1st time I heard her version of I'm for real.

[@NURREDIN]

@@politicalassassin7254 The Pointer Sister's background vocals on "Baby I'm For Real" sent chills down my spine the first time I heard them,and they still do. Those sisters didn't get the credit for how "bad" they were.

[@nitab5734]

@@NURREDIN wow great info, learn something new everyday

[@craigbrowning9448]

In either version, This is one of the most Funky, Danceable and Saddest songs I've ever heard. I've never been an illicit drug user, but I can relate to the feeling of being an addict.

[@chrisutley2859]

I’m partial to Esther’s version. The instruments on that one had me imagining the song as the opening credits to a long lost 70’s Blaxploitation flick

[@macyprimm7201]

Both grabs your heart 💕💕💕 shit, when you listen to both, it's on another level 😭😭😭😭 Masterpiece

[@Chuxx1000]

Gil Scott Heron. You can feel it in his voice. Both versions are phenomenal.

[@everettwilson1416]

All I can say is wow.

[@ddsfarmacy692]

Gil's version is the sound of pain from the soul. Esther's version is the sound of a woman fed up from the bottom of her soul. Both are great!!!

[@xp7575]

I love Gil in general but Esther killed this track

[@wontsettle4u]

I’m with you. Esther went deep.

[@ConCitatoE]

Nailed it. My first time hearing Gil’s, and i didn’t pay attention to the writer credits, cause she smokes this song up. She’s literally pleading and making you feel her agony! I don’t get that from Gil. I can tell he’s empowering himself, but it feels completely different.

[@carolelerman9686]

Ester did a marvelous job on this and I'm sure Gil would agree. Very sad.

[@christinianamariah17]

Their Voices Sound Like I’ve Been There Done That I Know This Story Both Put Their Soul Into The Song... 🎶 ♥️🖤

[@fuzzy6813]

I like them both. But Gil did it best I feel deep down inside of the heart 👍

[@cashprice]

Got to give it to Gil he’s version is a whole vibe

[@deejeffries3493]

Yessir!

[@keithbaucum7156]

I enjoyed both of them.

[@cliftonhubbard1176]

Gil without question. His captures all the emotion and despair. LEGENDARY

[@Malvo6820]

As a bassist I love them both even though Gil Scott wrote the song. Miss Phillips has a nice smooth Bassline to hers as well and I love playing them both.

[@mizfrenchtwist]

i had th e pleasure of seeing gil scott , in concert . he has such a beautiful masculine voice. his social conscience-ness raising songs were amazing . ester was great as well ...thank you , for sharing.........

[@Joy31608]

This is a hard one-both beautiful and unique!! Thank you reelblack!!

[@TheSonya06]

This song reminds me of the mean streets of my home town St.louis.mo listening to Gil wanting something more, well I did it in California..Its crazy how a song can bring back Memories of yesteryear . Gil u got it bro..🎶🎙

[@nitab5734]

Aww I like both but we had this Esther Phillips album so that’s the version I heard the most. I clicked on this so quick lol thanks for all you do

[@cashprice]

I love these keep them coming

[@tiisetsomvula6429]

Cant choose both are good

[@MoonLightOnWater1]

Good music!! Thank you reelblack! I love both, but I love Esther’s version best.

[@kiki1965]

Two different styles of singing but I'm leaning more toward Master Gil Scott-Heron! Love his raw and inhibited style of song. 😘🎵 🎤

[@goodguycg]

I'm going to give them both credit for this one love music

[@lindabarnes-walker7447]

Wow, until today I'd never even heard her version and I love them both equally, her voice tells the story of hurt and pain...And Gil's voice makes his hurt believable

[@cheesesteak59]

Personally, I prefer Esther's version but that doesn't mean much. Gil has a veritable treasure chest of wonderful, socially relevant songs. It's a shame his work has been so underappreciated for all these years.

[@brentjohns975]

Gil Scott Heron version is so Right On ! However Esther Phillips was sharing her hurt & pain ! In my opinion Esther Phillips owns that song !

[@GarGunnerTV]

I try never to make comparisons or pick favorites.. thank you for this grand mashup 🤞🏾‼

[@MrTnorth80]

Gil hands down

[@cymba729]

I started out with Gil for years I never heard Esther version. I have say, without a doubt Esther version is waaay hotter. That feel real when she sings it.

[@sereneamani1713]

I could not even vote based on how much I love both artists' entire repertoire.

[@lesliewilliams9887]

Gil’s voice and music is still soothing in 2021 He’s THE BEST OF THE BEST !!!!!!

[@alysiahenderson266]

Gil Scott Heron

[@KeizerHedorah]

I've always enjoyed Esther's more, both are great.

[@BluesInMySoul]

It's just so hard to choose. I love them both for different reasons.

[@sleepyhollow2455]

GSH all the time. Met him while I was in college. He did a show for us. He’s awesome and is missed very much.

[@nitab5734]

I like both his is more upbeat but we had this Esther Phillips album so hers is the version I heard the most😊I clicked on this video so fast lol thanks for the information you share. I still listen to this til this day

[@feliciawells216]

Gill of course

[@discorrdat]

Two great renditions of a great song. ✊🏾 I'll listen to Gil on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Esther on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Sunday I'll do a remix of both! 😃

[@ahnraemenkhera7451]

Partial to Gil Scott-Heron-met him while in school, too! (Painful, sometimes, looking back on all the tall trees I’ve crossed paths with at some time or other.) Gil Scott was Very suave, yet very honest. Also, I always admired Ms. Esther for going her own way, making a name for herself & turning her own blues into art. A very, very close call 🏁 musically. Music & drugs: activities that still seem to yield to ‘equal opportunity’ unrealized in most other areas of human activity. Ironic. Beautiful. Thanks, ReelBlack. 🌳🍄🌷

[@odarquehunnett200]

I'm gonna be in the minority and give this one to Esther. Gil's is so smooth and soulful, but Esther's was funkier and grittier thanks to the strings and horns in large part. But both vocal performances were incredibly powerful and the conviction is undeniable. I also heard hers first, so... (lol)

[@peach3276]

I love both versions, but Gil Scott Heron is always gonna be my favourite.

[@patriciadon1266]

Who can decide between two angelic voices...genius!!!

[@mypersonalaccount1089]

Gil. The poetry and timing.

[@battleaxe.]

This is the first time that I've heard both of these songs. However, I hear the person pain and societal oppression in both of these beautiful songs. In any event, I'll give brother Gil a little edge over Sista Esther. 🙏👈

[@mr.goodenough3796]

Gil Scott Heron's version has so much raw emotion in it. You can feel his pain, confusion and struggle. One of my favorites of many favorites by Gil. That said Esther's version is pretty cool.

[@zalinabrooks1198]

I like both

[@bobbiwolfgang]

For me, NOBODY tops Gil! His soul bleeds in this song cuz ya know he's been there. RIP, my lovely Gil.

[@pchris3437]

BOTH VERSIONS ARE BOTH GREAT!!

[@85CUJO]

Love both but gotta go with Gil. So legendary.

[@Karma-iz4ir]

Wow. I had only known Gils version. Her voice is equally great and unique. Imma have to call a tie on this. Love both! ♥ Bout to research her now....

[@fonteeverette7267]

Both voices have equally Soul penetrating qualities I love them both

[@patriciaannware3554]

Esther Phillips no question

[@Darrick.DamitaJoBoy]

I like Gil's version a lot, but Esther's is my favorite.

[@tmat2024]

Esther's version on this one; however, I think the one Gil did live with Victor Brown on the It's Your World Album (1976) is much better.

[@n.currie3439]

Bro Gil got this one. I never heard Sista Ester 's version before. It was great also. I usually don't like remakes of Gil's songs but she did it well.

[@kweenmajesty192]

Gil Scott H..... KJLH ...gave a covid-19 concert of Gil last month it was really nice I love them both I give Gil and Esther their props...😊👍🏿

[@22221mm]

Both are amazing and bring a unique quality. Gil 's makes me feel more vulnerable, but I can't say what exactly it is about his record.

[@mwiluokolo9559]

Both, they added their experiences, both being victims of the System Of WSR, excellent rendition!!!! ASE’

[@charitycampos5011]

Fell in love with Gill's voice years ago.. Thank god he left his daughter Jill to carry the torch💪 a lot of youngsters were enlightened by this tune from the FX series snowfall... They don't make music like this anymore.. The farther away from my hometown Jackson, Ms the better off I am....nothing but death and destruction😭

[@sereneamani1713]

Are you speaking musically??? Jill Scott, to my knowledge, is not the daughter of Gil.

[@alwaysastudent]

@@sereneamani1713 His daughter's name is Gia.

[@pattiturner8080]

Brother and Sister. Gil Scott-Heron One of my favorite movie scenes is Diana Ross strung out as Billie Holiday. If you ever had a loved one addicted, particularly to heroin; you know that peculiar, exquisite pain that permeates the very real, strong love. I weep daily for my son; who was an addict, that suffered and died from asthma in October 2019. He carried such enormous pain and tremendous love throughout his 33 years. Amen.

[@Infiniteinsightsmedia]

I like Esther's version. I love the arrangement of the horns and strings. Her voice resonates to me.

[@djdiamondty]

First time hearing Ms Phillips version and it's impressive. But if I have to choose I'd have to give it to Gil. Been listening to his version for years.

[@a.d.drayton2605]

Ms. Phillips version was pleasant (shades of Randi Crawford’s voice) and seemed more intimate as the music was definitely in the background of her singing. However Gil Scott’s version was from the gut and tugged at my heart and the music had stronger role. Gil Scott has the edge here.

[@tosha50000]

Well dayum!! I heard Gil's version but not Esther's. Thanks so much for sharing this. I love them both!

[@politicalassassin7254]

I have both of these albums! On VINYL!

[@9ersfan396]

Esther Phillips 👌

[@bobwatson1162]

Gil Scott's version is the one for me... Anything he sung always told a story of the struggles we went through as black people....

[@Got.Opinions]

Esther Phillips was the first I heard back in the day I still like hers. I heard the Last Poets then I heard Gil Scott-Heron, he was great.

[@TheeDuhscientist]

Been playing that Esther Phillips album over and over for the past 20 plus years..haunting version of song...the stings and Esther’s desperate pleas in the vocals. Gil Scott wrote this and nailed it but Esther brought it home.

[@johnslaymark8225]

gil great he wrote it powerful song esther you feel her pain and raw emotion and the whole production outstanding , both had drug habits

[@maurice8607]

A real toughie this one but I'm going for Gil but only just.

[@denisemitchell2416]

Gday luv Both versions are superb I don't fancy pitting folks against each other For me it's not competition But I pick Gil saw him perform this live Harlem The revolution will not be televised In the Bottle Genius

[@sharonavictoria7155]

Gil Gil Gil ❤❤❤

[@patricksmith9417]

Its absurd to compare the two.There both genius and highly underrated