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.

Known For

Saturday Night Live

Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music

Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise

Space Is the Place

Rebirth Is Necessary

Jazz Evolution

Mystery Mister Ra

Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight

All Movies (15)

• The Magic City: Birmingham according to Sun Ra2025 · as Self
• Sun Ra: Do the Impossible2025 · as Self (archive footage)
• Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music2025 · as Self (archive footage)
• Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight2023
• Rebirth Is Necessary2017 · as Self (Archive Footage)
• I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore: Film, Stories & Images from the Mississippi Records and Alan Lomax Archive2013 · as Himself
• Jazz Evolution2008 · as Self - Organ
• Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet2005 · as Self
• Mystery Mister Ra1984 · as Self
• Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise1980 · as Himself
• Space Is the Place1974 · as Himself
• Spaceways1968 · as Himself
• The Magic Sun1966
• John Cage Meets Sun Ra— · as Himself
• Sun Ra Arkestra: Live in West Berlin 1983— · as Self

All TV Shows (1)

• Saturday Night Live1975 · as Self - Musical Guest