Sun Ra
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Le Sony'r Ra, better known as Sun Ra, was an American jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, and poet known for his experimental music, "cosmic" philosophy, prolific output, and thea
Sun Ra, c. 1973
Sun Ra at the New England Conservatory of Music, February 27, 1992
The Sun Ra Arkestra performing in London in 2010.
Afrofuturism
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Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science, and history that explores the intersection of the African diaspora culture with science and technology. It addresses themes and concerns of
Sun Ra
…Claiming to be an alien from Saturn on a mission to preach peace, he developed a mythical persona and an idiosyncratic credo that made him a pioneer of Afrofuturism. Throughout his life he denied ties to his prior identity saying, "Any name that I use other than Ra is a pseudonym." His widely eclectic and avant-garde…
George Clinton (top left) performing with Parliament Funkadelic in July 2008
Janelle Monáe at The River, 25 September 2010
Photo of King Britt from album in November 2017
Fons Americanus, Tate Modern, February 2020