Le Sony'r Ra (born Herman Poole Blount, May 22, 1914 – May 30, 1993), 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 theatrical performances.
Horace Elva Tapscott (April 6, 1934 – February 27, 1999) was an American jazz pianist and composer. He formed the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra in 1961 and led the ensemble through the 1990s. For six decades, the Ark has toured and released groundbreaking jazz albums. A new generation of musicians is carrying the torch, playing alongside many members that have performed in different iterations of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra.
There are two iconic jazz bands, that I endeavor to photograph at every opportunity: Sun Ra Arkestra and The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra. Both of these bands have been producing music and touring for over sixty years, and neither appears to be slowing down.
