Sun Ra

Personal Info

Birthday

May 22, 1914

Day of Death

1993-05-30

(79 years old)

Place of Birth

Birmingham, Alabama , U.S.

Also Known As

Herman Poole Blount

Le Sony'r Ra

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

Filmography

2025
Sun Ra: Do the Impossible
as Self (archive footage)
2017
Rebirth Is Necessary
as Self (Archive Footage)
2013
I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore: Film, Stories & Images from the Mississippi Records and Alan Lomax Archive
as Himself
2008
Jazz Evolution
as Self - Organ
2005
Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet
as Self
1984
Mystery Mister Ra
as Self
1980
Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise
as Himself
1974
Space Is the Place
as Himself
1968
Spaceways
as Himself