Sun Ra

from Birmingham, Alabama , U.S.

Image of Sun Ra

Biography

Sun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount, legal name Le Sony'r Ra; May 22, 1914 – May 30, 1993) was an American jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, poet and philosopher 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 flexible line-up.

Timeline

2025Aged 111

  • Poster for Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music

    Self (archive footage)

  • Poster for Sun Ra: Do the Impossible

    Self (archive footage)

  • Poster for The Magic City: Birmingham according to Sun Ra

    Self

2024Aged 110

  • Poster for House of Aama: Threads of Legacy

    Himself

  • Poster for Inspiration For The Future

    Music

2023Aged 109

  • Poster for Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight

    (Unknown)

2020Aged 106

  • Poster for Utuqaq

    Music

2017Aged 103

  • Poster for Rebirth Is Necessary

    Self (Archive Footage)

2013Aged 99

  • Poster for I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore: Film, Stories & Images from the Mississippi Records and Alan Lomax Archive

    Himself

2008Aged 94

  • Poster for Jazz Evolution

    Self - Organ

2005Aged 91

  • Poster for Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet

    Self

1987Aged 73

  • Poster for Theatre of Hope

    Music

1984Aged 70

  • Poster for Mystery Mister Ra

    Self

1980Aged 66

  • Poster for Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise

    Himself

1974Aged 60

  • Poster for Space Is the Place

    Sun Ra

1968Aged 54

  • Poster for Spaceways

    Himself

1966Aged 52

  • Poster for The Magic Sun

    Music

1959Aged 45

  • Poster for The Cry of Jazz

    Music