Le Sony'r Ra[2] (born Herman Poole Blount, May 22, 1914 – May 30, 1993), better known as Sun Ra, was an American jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, and poet known for his experimental music, "cosmic" philosophy, prolific output, and theatrical performances.

Feb 9, 2025 · Sun Ra, American jazz composer and keyboard player who led a free jazz big band known for its innovative instrumentation and the theatricality of its performances, which included dancers and fantastical costumes inspired by ancient Egyptian attire and the space age.

The Sun Ra Arkestra is an American jazz group formed in the mid-1950s and led by keyboardist/composer Sun Ra until his death in 1993. The group is considered a pioneer of afrofuturism.

May 30, 1993 · American Free-Jazz composer, pianist and band leader. Widely recognized as music innovator, pioneer of free improvisation and modal jazz, and early user of electronic keyboards and synthesizers. Born as Herman Poole Blount, he legally changed his name into Le Sony'r Ra on October 20, 1952.

Jun 28, 2021 · When the aliens came for Sun Ra, they explained that he had been selected for his “perfect discipline.” Not every human was fit for space travel, but he, with his expert control over...

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May 30, 1993 · Sun Ra was one of the most unusual musicians in the history of jazz, moving from Fletcher Henderson swing to free jazz with ease, sometimes in the same song.

Sun Ra is arguably the most flamboyant Afro-American jazz artist of his generation. His style of composition and cosmic spiritual philosophy made him a bizarre figure. Sun Ra was born in Birmingham, Alabama on the 22nd of May in the year 1914. At birth, he was named Herman Poole Blount. Ra changed his name severally before sticking to Sun Ra.

Feb 5, 2025 · These mavericks took musical risks and pushed boundaries, and this hour, we're kicking the series off talking about the music and influence of composer, poet, bandleader and musician Sun Ra.

Dec 25, 2024 · Eclectic, outrageous, sometimes mystifying but always imbued with a powerful jazz consciousness, the music of Sun Ra has withstood its skeptics and detractors for nearly three generations. And well it should, since Sun Ra has been both apart of and ahead of the jazz tradition during that time.