"Godfather of Afrofuturism": Sun Ra's Enduring Legacy to Shine in PBS Documentary
The late Sun Ra, the enigmatic bandleader behind the iconic Sun Ra Arkestra, is set to receive his due respect with an upcoming episode on the long-running biography series "American Masters". The February 20 airing will delve into Sun Ra's genre-defying sound and its profound influence on modern artists such as Janelle Monáe, George Clinton, and Solange.
Born Herman Poole Blount in Birmingham, Alabama, Sun Ra's life took a dramatic turn after an alleged out-of-body experience, which led him to change his name and adopt the cosmic-inspired persona of Le Sony'r Ra, or Sun Ra. Drawing from ancient Egypt and the cosmos for inspiration, he penned over 1,000 compositions and created elaborate experimental shows with his Arkestra collective.
The band's Philadelphia chapter was marked by a pivotal moment in 1968 when they took over a three-story home at 5626 Morton Street, transforming it into a rehearsal space and communal living quarters. Although Sun Ra left the Germantown address before his passing in 1993, other members of the Arkestra continued to call it home. The current leader, Marshall Allen, still resides there today, where the property is now known as the Arkestral Institute of Sun Ra – a designated historic landmark.
The PBS documentary "Sun Ra: Do the Impossible" promises an intimate look at Sun Ra's life and artistic vision. With contributions from band members like Allen, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of this musical trailblazer's enduring legacy. The episode airs on February 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS stations or can be streamed through the station's app or website.
The late Sun Ra, the enigmatic bandleader behind the iconic Sun Ra Arkestra, is set to receive his due respect with an upcoming episode on the long-running biography series "American Masters". The February 20 airing will delve into Sun Ra's genre-defying sound and its profound influence on modern artists such as Janelle Monáe, George Clinton, and Solange.
Born Herman Poole Blount in Birmingham, Alabama, Sun Ra's life took a dramatic turn after an alleged out-of-body experience, which led him to change his name and adopt the cosmic-inspired persona of Le Sony'r Ra, or Sun Ra. Drawing from ancient Egypt and the cosmos for inspiration, he penned over 1,000 compositions and created elaborate experimental shows with his Arkestra collective.
The band's Philadelphia chapter was marked by a pivotal moment in 1968 when they took over a three-story home at 5626 Morton Street, transforming it into a rehearsal space and communal living quarters. Although Sun Ra left the Germantown address before his passing in 1993, other members of the Arkestra continued to call it home. The current leader, Marshall Allen, still resides there today, where the property is now known as the Arkestral Institute of Sun Ra – a designated historic landmark.
The PBS documentary "Sun Ra: Do the Impossible" promises an intimate look at Sun Ra's life and artistic vision. With contributions from band members like Allen, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of this musical trailblazer's enduring legacy. The episode airs on February 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS stations or can be streamed through the station's app or website.
I'm so glad we're finally giving Sun Ra his due respect, aka 30+ years after he passed away 
. I mean, who doesn't love a dude who claims to have had an out-of-body experience and decides to change his name mid-life? Sounds like the ultimate life hack 
. But seriously, Sun Ra's music was ahead of its time, and it's awesome that artists like Janelle Monáe and George Clinton are still inspired by him today 
. The PBS documentary better not be too sappy or try to humanize Sun Ra (we know he was a weirdo, but let's keep it mysterious 
). Can't wait to see the Arkestral Institute of Sun Ra - now that's a place I'd love to visit and jam out to some cosmic jazz 
.
! I've always been fascinated by his music and the way he blended jazz, rock, and Egyptian mysticism to create something entirely new. Growing up, my parents used to play his albums on repeat – it was like nothing we'd ever heard before 
. The fact that artists like Janelle Monáe and Solange have cited him as an influence is just a testament to his innovative spirit. I've always felt like Sun Ra's music is still ahead of its time, you know? Like he predicted the whole sci-fi/futurism vibe we're seeing now 
. Can't wait to learn more about his life and artistry – this documentary better bring the cosmic vibes 
!
, gotta respect how he blended all these different styles to create this cosmic sound 
, especially in the music of artists like Janelle Monáe and Solange 
, but at the same time, I'm also thinking about how Sun Ra's story is so...otherworldly 
anyway, can't wait to dive in and learn more about this music legend 
, especially with artists like Janelle Monáe and Solange giving him props. The fact that Sun Ra's legacy is still thriving today, even 30+ years after his passing, is truly inspiring 
. Can't wait to check out the PBS documentary "Sun Ra: Do the Impossible" - it's gonna be a wild ride! 
! Sun Ra was like, a total game changer in the music scene, you know? His sound is still influencing artists today and it's amazing to see his legacy get the recognition it deserves 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to leave their life behind after an out-of-body experience and start anew as a cosmic visionary? 
... and now we get to see this whole side of him with the PBS documentary! I'm definitely gonna tune in and check it out – can't wait to learn more about this musical genius 
The way he blended different genres like jazz and rock with his Afrofuturist vibes is just pure genius. And can we talk about the Arkestral Institute of Sun Ra? That place is like a time capsule, you know? 
It's like a window into another era... I'm so down to watch this PBS documentary and learn more about Sun Ra's life and art! 
. I mean Sun Ra was like, totally ahead of his time, you know? His music is like nothing else out there - it's cosmic and it's raw and it's just... *chef's kiss* 
can't wait to watch this doc and learn more about this amazing artist