Sun Ra

Date of Birth: May 22, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: May 30, 1993

Biography

Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount on May 22, 1914, in Birmingham, Alabama, was an American jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, and poet known for his “cosmic” philosophy, musical innovation, and theatrical performances. Sun Ra developed a unique persona and mythology that combined elements of ancient Egyptian culture, space travel, and futuristic sci-fi. He claimed to be an alien from Saturn, sent to preach peace and harmony. His music ranged from keyboard solos to big bands and embraced an eclectic mix of styles, including swing, bebop, free jazz, and avant-garde. Sun Ra and his Arkestra, an ever-changing ensemble, were ahead of their time in many respects, including their use of electronic instruments and multimedia performances. Sun Ra passed away on May 30, 1993, but his influence continues to resonate in the world of jazz and beyond.

5 Interesting Facts about Sun Ra

1. Sun Ra claimed to have had an out-of-body experience in 1936 during which he was teleported to Saturn and instructed by aliens to speak through music.

2. He founded his own record label, Saturn Records, one of the first artist-owned labels.

3. Sun Ra was a pioneer in the use of electronic keyboards and synthesizers in jazz.

4. His band, the Arkestra, often lived and rehearsed communally, embodying Sun Ra’s vision of a utopian society.

5. Sun Ra produced more than 100 full-length albums, making him one of the most prolific recording artists of the 20th century.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sun Ra

1. “Space is the place.”

2. “The planet is asleep and it’s the musician’s job to wake it up.”

3. “I am not of this planet. I am from the sun.”

4. “Music is a language, you see, a universal language.”

5. “The impossible attracts me because everything possible has been done and the world didn’t change.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Sun Ra’s net worth was estimated to be modest, as he focused more on artistic expression rather than commercial success. Specific figures are not well-documented, but his impact and influence in music were invaluable.