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Sun Ra

Sun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount, legal name Le Sony'r Ra, May 22, 1914 – May 30, 1993) was a prolific jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, poet and philosopher known for his cosmic philosophy, musical compositions and performances.
Sun Ra: The Eccentric Musician Who Defied the Limits of Jazz
When you think about jazz music, Sun Ra is a name that should not be forgotten. Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount, was a brilliant musician known for his unique approach to jazz. He was a pioneer of space jazz, a subgenre of jazz characterized by a fusion of traditional jazz with electronic beats. Sun Ra's music was experimental, eclectic and often unclassifiable. He led a band called the Arkestra, and his performances were marked by theatrics, costumes, and otherworldly sounds. In this article, we will delve into the life and work of Sun Ra, a musician who defied the limits of jazz.
Sun Ra was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1914. He started his music career as a pianist in the 1940s. He was heavily influenced by jazz musicians like Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson. Sun Ra's music was experimental, fusing different musical genres such as swing, blues, and African rhythms. In the 1950s, Sun Ra began to incorporate elements of science fiction and space into his music. He claimed to have been visited by aliens who gave him the knowledge of space and that his music was beamed to him from Saturn. His music was a reflection of his beliefs, and he used it as a medium to express his spiritual and existential ideas.
Sun Ra recorded and released over 100 albums throughout his career. Some of his notable works include The Heliocentric Worlds, Space is the Place, and Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy. His music was marked by the use of unusual instruments such as the solar sound instrument, which he made by wiring together discarded television sets. Sun Ra's music defied classification; it was a blend of different genres, rhythms, and sounds. His music was often compared to that of avant-garde jazz composers like John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman.
Sun Ra's performances were not just about the music; they were also a theatrical experience. He often wore flamboyant costumes and used elaborate lighting and props. His shows were stunning, and they left an indelible impression on the audience. One of his most famous performances was the 1971 concert at the Montreux Jazz Festival. His band, the Arkestra, wore space suits and played sci-fi-inspired music. The performance was praised for its creativity and originality.
Despite his innovative approach to music, Sun Ra's work was not always appreciated by the mainstream music industry. His music was often misunderstood, and he struggled to gain recognition for his work. However, over time, his influence began to be recognized, and his music gained a cult following.
Best Songs:
Sun Ra's extensive discography includes many great songs. Here are some of his best:
1. Angels and Demons at Play - from the album The Heliocentric Worlds
1. Angels and Demons at Play - from the album The Heliocentric Worlds
2. Space is the Place - from the album of the same name
3. Nuclear War - from the album Nuclear War
4. Rocket Number Nine - from the album Interstellar Low Ways
5. Atlantis - from the album The Atlantis Tour
Critic:
Sun Ra's music was often misunderstood by critics during his time. His innovative approach to jazz was different from what most people expected, and it took some time for his work to be appreciated. However, over time, his influence started to be recognized. Jazz critics began to write about his music and its significance. Sun Ra's music is now hailed as some of the most experimental and boundary-pushing work in jazz history.
Sun Ra was a unique and innovative musician who brought new ideas and sounds to the world of jazz. His music defied classification, and his performances were theatrical experiences that left a lasting impression on the audience. Sun Ra's work has gained a cult following, and his influence can be heard in music today. As we remember Sun Ra, we remember a musician who defied the limits of jazz and created something truly unique and special.
Genres:

LISTEN THE BEST SUN RA SONGS IN STREAMING

2022-11-01

The Incredible Musical Journey of Sun Ra

Sun Ra was a genius musician, composer, and bandleader who spearheaded some of the most innovative jazz and experimental compositions of the 20th century. Born Herman Poole Blount in Birmingham, Alabama in 1914, Sun Ra started off playing piano at local eateries and dance halls until he moved to Chicago in the late 1940s. His music, heavily influenced by his cosmic philosophy, set him apart from other jazz musicians of his time and paved the way for future experimental jazz and avant-garde musicians.

Sun Ra's early career began in the Midwest, where he played with several blues and swing bands. In 1946, he moved to Chicago and started playing with Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, which at the time was considered one of the best big bands in America. It was here that he honed his craft and formed his own band, the Sun Ra Arkestra, which would become his musical vehicle for the rest of his life. During his time in Chicago, Sun Ra's music became more expansive, incorporating elements of African and Egyptian music along with nods to classical music and science fiction.

Throughout the 1950s, Sun Ra's music continued to evolve, as he experimented with free jazz and avant-garde compositions. It wasn't until the 1960s, however, that he would achieve widespread success with his album The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, which is widely considered his masterpiece. This album marked a pivotal point in Sun Ra's career, as he began to incorporate more electronic instruments and experimental techniques.

In addition to The Heliocentric Worlds, Sun Ra released numerous albums that are considered seminal works in the jazz canon. Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy and Atlantis both feature some of his most experimental compositions, while The Magic City and When Sun Comes Out showcase his more accessible side. Other notable albums include Jazz in Silhouette and Space Is the Place.

Sun Ra was also known for his unique performances and stage presence. He dressed the members of his Arkestra in elaborate, space-themed costumes and often performed with various props and theatrics. His live shows were known for their energy and unpredictability, making them unlike any other jazz performances of the time.

Sun Ra's influence can still be heard in the music of modern jazz and experimental musicians today. His willingness to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds and techniques set him apart from his contemporaries and carved a path for future musical experimentation. Whether you're a fan of jazz or experimental music, Sun Ra's incredible musical journey is one that can't be missed.
Tag: Sun Ra, musical biography, best songs, playlist
SONGS OF SUN RA - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Door Of The Cosmos
2 - Enlightenment
3 - Saturn
4 - Images
5 - Space Is The Place
6 - Nuclear War
7 - Velvet
8 - Lullaby for Realville
9 - Discipline
10 - Rocket Number Nine
11 - Mu
12 - Bassism
13 - Hours After
14 - Blues at Midnight
15 - Ancient Aiethopia
16 - Medicine for a Nightmare
17 - We Travel the Spaceways
18 - Horoscope
19 - Door To The Cosmos
20 - Tapestry From An Asteroid
21 - Lanquidity
22 - That's How I Feel
23 - Where Pathways Meet
24 - Love In Outer Space
25 - Springtime Again
26 - Plutonian Nights
27 - Angels And Demons At Play
28 - Twin Stars Of Thence
29 - Heliocentric
30 - When There Is No Sun
31 - There Are Other Worlds (they Have Not Told You Of)
32 - Of Sounds And Something Else
33 - Outer Nothingness
34 - Other Worlds
35 - China Gates
36 - Where Is Tomorrow?
37 - Sea Of Sounds
38 - Lemuria
39 - El Is A Sound Of Joy
40 - 'round Midnight
41 - The Beginning
42 - Bimini
43 - Space Jazz Reverie
44 - India
45 - New Day
46 - Watusa
47 - Dancing In The Sun
48 - Atlantis
DISCOGRAPHY OF SUN RA
2022: Prophet
2000: Standards
1999: Janus
1998: Spaceways
1985: Hiroshima
1979: Visions
1979: Omniverse
1978: Lanquidity
1978: New Steps
1976: Cosmos
1957: Sun Song