Episode 169: Music From Saturn

Sun-Ra 2.jpg
Sun Ra claimed to be an extraterrestrial being from Saturn who could teleport you to other planets with his music. That may or may not have been true, but he certainly was the leader of one of the most influential jazz ensembles of the 20th century, and he’s often called the father of Afrofuturism. I talk with artist Cauleen Smith and writer John Corbett about Sun Ra’s creative journey, and why he was light years ahead of his time. The musician Idris Ackamoor explains why Sun Ra was an inspiration for his band The Pyramids. And Ytasha Womack, author of fiction and non-fiction books about Afrofuturism, discusses why imagining the future is still a radical act. 
Music From Saturn transcript
MUSIC LIST
Sun Ra and The Arkestra:
  • Mystery Mr. RA
  • There Are Other Worlds They Have Not Told You About
  • Tiny Pyramids
  • We Travel The Spaceways
  • The Space Age is Here to Stay
  • Satellites are Spinning
  • Moon Dance
  • Astro Black
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Episode 170: Becky Chambers Goes Wayfaring

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Episode 168: Second Life Goes On