He published six novels, his first one ‘The Vulture’ came out when he was nineteen. At the time of his death he was in the process of writing a book called ’The Last Holiday” which chronicled his journey with Stevie Wonder, as they tried and successfully made Dr. King birthday a national holiday.
“The Last Holiday, because America can’t afford another holiday” Gil said about his book and its title. And that was classic Gil, his blunt assessment of the power structure, and his courage to speak that truth, made him a important voice for various causes and a ambassador for social injustices throughout the 70’s and 80’s.The fact that he was able to deliver his message in a gentle and humorous tone made him appealing to all that heard him.
Legendary Record Executive Clive Davis said this about meeting and signing Gil in 1975 “Very charismatic, absolutely unique—the verbal and the performing abilities—he was electrifying and based on his song ‘The Bottle,’ and ‘The Revolution,’ and seeing him, I signed him. He was very compelling as a speaker—the wit, the turn of phrase—it was all very special.” Gil was the most active and successful throughout the seventies. From 1970 to 1982 he recorded thirteen albums.