1

Sun Ra

Born · May 22, 1914

Died · May 30, 1993 (79 years old)

Known For: Acting

Place of Birth: Birmingham, Alabama , U.S.

Bio

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

Saturday Night Live

Space Is the Place

Space Is the Place

The Magic Sun

The Magic Sun

Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise

Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise

Sun Ra: Do the Impossible

Self (archive footage)

2025

Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight

2023

Rebirth Is Necessary

Self (Archive Footage)

2017

I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore: Film, Stories & Images from the Mississippi Records and Alan Lomax Archive

Himself

2013

Jazz Evolution

Self - Organ

2008

Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet

Self

2005

Mystery Mister Ra

Self

1984

Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise

Himself

1980

Saturday Night Live

Self - Musical Guest · (1 episode)

1975

Space Is the Place

Himself

1974

Spaceways

Himself

1968

The Magic Sun

1966

John Cage Meets Sun Ra

Himself

Sun Ra Arkestra: Live in West Berlin 1983

Self