Person
Sun Ra
Acting · 1914–1993 · Birmingham, Alabama , U.S.
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.
Known for
Saturday Night Live
Self - Musical Guest
Jazz Evolution
Self - Organ
Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music
Self (archive footage)
Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise
Himself
The Magic City: Birmingham according to Sun Ra
Self
The Cry of Jazz
Music
Sun Ra: Do the Impossible
Self (archive footage)
Theatre of Hope
Music
Spaceways
Himself
The Magic Sun
1966
Filmography
- 2025The Magic City: Birmingham according to Sun RaSelf
- 2025Sun Ra: Do the ImpossibleSelf (archive footage)
- 2025Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL MusicSelf (archive footage)
- 2024Inspiration For The FutureMusic
- 2023Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight
- 2020UtuqaqMusic
- 2017Rebirth Is NecessarySelf (Archive Footage)
- 2013I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore: Film, Stories & Images from the Mississippi Records and Alan Lomax ArchiveHimself
- 2008Jazz EvolutionSelf - Organ
- 2005Sun Ra: Brother From Another PlanetSelf
- 1987Theatre of HopeMusic
- 1984Mystery Mister RaSelf
- 1980Sun Ra: A Joyful NoiseHimself
- 1975Saturday Night LiveSelf - Musical Guest
- 1974Space Is the PlaceHimself
- 1968SpacewaysHimself
- 1966The Magic Sun
- 1959The Cry of JazzMusic
- —John Cage Meets Sun RaHimself
- —Sun Ra Arkestra: Live in West Berlin 1983Self
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