Sun Ra

Acting

Born May 22, 1914 · Birmingham, Alabama , U.S.

Died May 30, 1993

Also known as Herman Poole Blount · Le Sony'r 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.