It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sun Ra, an enigmatic jazz composer, musician, bandleader, and poet. Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount, was 79 years old when he passed away peacefully on May 30, 1993. Sun Ra's career was marked by innovation, originality, and a defiant unwillingness to be confined, both professionally and interpersonally. He made over 100 albums in his lifetime, regularly recording with his Arkestra band and independently. As a leader, poet, and electronic keyboardist, Sun Ra was a dynamic force in the genre and made an indelible mark on the jazz genre. His distinctive avant-garde compositions, based in ancient mythology, Christian scripture, Afrofuturism, and Physics have made him a household name and an inspiration for many. Sun Ra's influence goes beyond music. As a dedicated Black artist, he often made references to Pan-Africanism, Civil Rights, and often used music to promote African-American history and pride. His distinctive sense of fashion and stage performances, full of charisma, dignity, and wit, made him a beacon of hope in the jazz world. Sun Ra will be deeply missed, but his music will continue to touch the hearts of many.