Sun Ra

Sun Ra (May 22, 1914–May 30, 1993) was an innovative jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, who came to be known as much for preaching his bizarre "cosmic philosophy" as for his phenomenal musical compositions and performances.

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Born Herman Poole Blount in Birmingham, Alabama, he was nicknamed Sonny from his youth. He later abandoned his birth name and took on the name and persona of Sun Ra (Ra being the name of the ancient Egyptian god of the Sun). He led The Arkestra, an ensemble with an ever-changing lineup, which also used a variety of names: "The Solar Myth Arkestra," the "Blue Universe Arkestra," and many other permutations.

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Claiming that he was of the "Angel Race" and not from Earth, but rather from Saturn, Ra developed a complicated persona of "cosmic" philosophies and lyrical poetry that preached "awareness" and peace above all. Some regarded him as a kook in this regard, but most recognized his immense musical talents.

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He eschewed racism (having been a victim of it many times experienced during his touring and booking schedule with the Arkestra) and insisted his musicians avoid drug abuse, though he rarely came out and directly spoke about any controversial subjects.

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There is some disagreement as to Sun Ra's date of birth. Sun Ra himself stated that he "arrived on earth" at any number of ancient dates. The date listed above appeared on Sun Ra's passport, but others place his birth anywhere from 1910 to 1918, with most sources supporting a birth year of 1914 or 1915. Incidentally, Sun Ra reported that his astrological sign was Gemini.

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May 22: May 22 is the 142nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (143rd in leap years). There are 223 days remaining....

1914: 1914 is a common year starting on Thursday. (see link for calendar)...

May 30: May 30 is the 150th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (151st in leap years). There are 215 days remaining....

Sun Ra related Images and Photos (experimental)

Sun Ra Rolling Stone no. 31 April 19 1969	The Sun God Ra in His Solar Barque Protected by the Coils of a Serpent from the Tomb of Seti I	Sun	Sun
Sun Day	Sun Taiyo	Sun Porch	Sun Taiyo
Sun Valley	Sun People	Sun Valley	Sun Filters