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Sun Ra

Sun Ra

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

The Magic City: Birmingham according to Sun Ra
The Magic City: Birmingham according to Sun Ra
2025 • Self
Sun Ra: Do the Impossible
Sun Ra: Do the Impossible
2025 • Self (archive footage)
Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music
Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music
2025 • Self (archive footage)
Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight
Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight
2023
Rebirth Is Necessary
Rebirth Is Necessary
2017 • Self (Archive Footage)
I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore: Film, Stories & Images from the Mississippi Records and Alan Lomax Archive
I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore: Film, Stories & Images from the Mississippi Records and Alan Lomax Archive
2013 • Himself
Jazz Evolution
Jazz Evolution
2008 • Self - Organ
Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet
2005 • Self

Full filmography

Sun Ra: Do the Impossible
Sun Ra: Do the Impossible
2025 • Self (archive footage)
View movie
Rebirth Is Necessary
Rebirth Is Necessary
2017 • Self (Archive Footage)
View movie
Jazz Evolution
Jazz Evolution
2008 • Self - Organ
View movie
Spaceways
Spaceways
1968 • Himself
View movie
John Cage Meets Sun Ra
Unknown year • Himself
View movie
Sun Ra – Biography, Known For & Filmography