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Sun Ra

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1914 - 1993

Biography

Sun Ra, (1914 – 1993), was born Herman Poole Blount, in Birmingham, Alabama. As an adult he changed his name legally to Le Sony’r Ra, which was later shortened to Sun Ra. He was an American jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, and poet known for his experimental music, "cosmic" philosophy, prolific output, and theatrical performances. For much of his career, Ra led "The Arkestra", an ensemble with an ever-changing name and line-up. Combining Black liberation politics with space-age spirituality, Sun Ra was known for his sometimes bewildering and cacophonous experimental jazz compositions.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Pat Patrick Collection of Sun Ra Materials

 Collection
Identifier: Sun Ra
Abstract

The Pat Patrick Collection of Sun Ra Materials, 1950-1992, contains the ephemera, sermons and writings of the influential jazz musician Sun Ra. Patrick was a musician in his own right and a long standing member of Sun Ra’s orchestra as well as being influenced and involved in Sun Ra’s spiritual beliefs and outlook on life.

Dates: 1950 September-1992 January
Found in: Music Library / Pat Patrick Collection of Sun Ra Materials