Danny Ray Thompson

Danny Ray Thompson
Thompson (right), in 2008
Thompson (right), in 2008
Background information
Born(1947-10-01)October 1, 1947
New York City, New York, U.S.
DiedMarch 12, 2020(2020-03-12) (aged 72)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
GenresAvant-garde jazz, free jazz, experimental
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Baritone saxophone,[1] bassoon[2]

Danny Ray Thompson (October 1, 1947 – March 12, 2020) was an American jazz musician.[3] He played baritone saxophone with the Sun Ra Arkestra and managed the band for a period of time.[4]

Early life

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Thompson was born in New York City, to Elgie and Oscar Leonard Thompson.[3] Soon his family moved to Los Angeles, California but after high school Thompson returned to New York City and attended night classes at Juilliard School.[3]

Career

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Thompson's first concert was with Babatunde Olatunji and after meeting Marshall Allen, Thompson was introduced to Sun Ra.[3] The first Arkestra album Thompson appeared on was 1967's Atlantis.[4] He made his first live appearance with the Arkestra in April, 1968 at Carnegie Hall.[3]

Thompson, along with fellow Arkestra members Marshall Allen and Charles Davis, was present for a 100th birthday celebration for Sun Ra at the Berklee College of Music in 2014.[5]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Danny Ray Thompson.

References

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  1. ^ Pinnock, Tom (March 1, 2019). "Sun Ra: "There's a lot of strange stuff that goes on around the pyramids – why don't you bring a tape?"". Uncut. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  2. ^ Helfet, Gabriela (September 24, 2019). "Sun Ra's 1986 Poland concert recording released for the first time". The Vinyl Factory. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e Russonello, Giovanni (March 20, 2020). "Danny Ray Thompson, 72, Dies; Mainstay of Sun Ra's Otherworldly Band". The New York Times. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Bloom, Madison (March 20, 2020). "Sun Ra Arkestra's Danny Ray Thompson Dead at 72". Pitchfork. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  5. ^ Shanahan, Mark (February 23, 2014). "Sun Ra has a 100th birthday celebration". The Boston Globe. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
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