In Music for Futurists #6: Tribute to Sun Ra (1940 to 1993) we look at the highly productive jazz musician, composer, poet and bandleader best known for his “cosmic” philosophies on life and music.
He began performing professionally as a teen and, after moving to Chicago in 1945, immersed himself in jazz and the blues. Along the way, Sun Ra was influenced by space, religion and radical social movements—all of which found their way into his music. A prolific composer and record label owner, he took to wearing colorful, outlandish costumes with his band members – The Arkestra.
These tracks, mixes, and albums shared here are longer and definitely worth the investment. Take a trip with Sun Ra.

Space is the place (1974)

Door Of The Cosmos

Nuclear War

Dance of the Cosmo Aliens

Sun Ra in Montreux 1976 (II): Take The A Train

When There Is No Sun

India

For what is known, this is likely the first jazz piece ever with an electric keyboard (a Wurlitzer). Taken from “Super-sonic jazz” album, 1956.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMbC__R24t0

Where Pathways Meet

Jazz In Silhouette (Full Album)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUtxy6ddiHc

Sun Ra Tribute Mix

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Nikolas Badminton is a world-respected futurist speaker that researches, speaks, and writes about the future of work, how technology is affecting the workplace, how workers are adapting, the sharing economy, and how the world is evolving. He appears at conferences in Canada, USA, UK, and Europe. Email him to book him for your radio, TV show, or conference.