Space Is the Place: The Lives and Times of Sun Ra

by John F. Szwed
Space Is the Place: The Lives and Times of Sun Ra cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 9634
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • Publisher: Pantheon
  • Published: 1997-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Sun Ra, born Herman Poole "Sonny" Blount, was a multifaceted artist who transcended the boundaries of music, philosophy, and performance. As a composer, keyboardist, bandleader, and self-proclaimed extraterrestrial, he led his "Intergalactic Arkestra" through a diverse musical landscape, from boogie-woogie to free jazz and beyond. His life and work were a blend of surrealism and cosmic philosophy, making him one of the most unique figures in 20th-century music. This definitive biography explores his extraordinary life, musical evolution, and the profound impact he had on the world of jazz and beyond. /n/nThe book delves into Sun Ra's early years, his transformation into the cosmic figure he became, and his influence on various musical genres. It also examines his philosophical beliefs and how they shaped his artistry. Through interviews, archival research, and personal anecdotes, the biography paints a vivid picture of a man who saw himself as an intergalactic emissary, using music as his medium to communicate his otherworldly message.

Reviews
JazzTimes · 2026-01-01
welcome 4.00

The book is a welcome addition to jazz literature, based on extensive interviews with family and associates. It provides a well-rounded portrait of Sun Ra.

The reviewer finds this book a welcome addition to jazz literature, particularly because it is based on interviews with family members and musical associates. They appreciate how it provides a well-rounded portrait of Sun Ra, capturing his unique personality and contributions to music. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to contextualize Sun Ra's life within the broader landscape of jazz and African American culture.

Quick quotes

    John Szwed's new book on Sun Ra (1914-93) is a welcome addition to the literature of jazz.

    Based on interviews with family members and musical associates, Szwed's biography provides a well-rounded portrait of Sun Ra.

    The book captures Sun Ra's unique personality and contributions to music, making it a valuable read for jazz enthusiasts.

Goodreads · 2026-01-01
definitive 4.20

The book is considered a definitive biography of Sun Ra, offering a riveting account of his life. It is praised for its depth and comprehensive coverage.

Many readers consider this book the definitive biography of Sun Ra, and they find it always riveting. The reviewer appreciates the depth and comprehensive coverage, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Sun Ra's life and times. They highlight how the book provides a detailed and engaging account of his extraordinary journey, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf.

Quick quotes

    Always riveting, Space Is the Place is the definitive biography of "one of the great big-bands of the 1950s and 1960s."

    Considered by many to be a founder of Afrofuturism, Sun Ra--aka Herman Blount--was a composer, bandleader, poet, philosopher, and mystic.

    A brilliant book, a sprawling, curlicued, swinging account of an extraordinary man's great adventure with a bunch of ideas that made sense to him out of a world that didn't.

All About Jazz · 2020-05-08
insightful 4.50

The biography effectively captures Sun Ra's unique worldview through his music, poetry, and performances. It provides a comprehensive understanding of his life and artistic vision.

This biography stands out because it doesn't just focus on Sun Ra's life but also delves into his music, poetry, and performances. The reviewer appreciates how it reflects his worldview and provides a comprehensive understanding of his life and artistic vision. They highlight the book's ability to paint a vivid picture of Sun Ra's times and historical context, making it a compelling read for those interested in his legacy.

Quick quotes

    The main strength of Szwed's biography is that it reflects how Ra's music, his poetry, art and stage shows were all extensions of his world view.

    It provides a comprehensive understanding of his life and artistic vision.

    The biography effectively captures Sun Ra's unique worldview through his music, poetry, and performances.

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