100 Years of Sun Ra – A Special Black Classical Broadcast
Today marks the centennial of the arrival of prolific jazz composer and bandleader Sun Ra to Planet Earth. Born on May 22nd 1914, Ra, previously known as Herman Poole ‘Sonny’ Blount, would go on to play a varied and highly pivotal role on the outer reaches of the jazz realm, producing music that can best be described in places as otherworldly and building a formidable and much sought after discography, underpinned by many recordings alongside his free jazz ensemble the Sun Ra Arkestra. Since beginning his onward journey in 1993, his star has predictably reached legendary status with his influence continually felt throughout the music world. His highly quotable interplanetary musings can often be found peppered throughout many contemporary recordings while some of his own compositions have become standards in their own right. For the Sun Ra novice, there are many places to dip that first tentative toe into the water, and we’re sure