Abraham, Alton. Collection of Sun Ra
Acknowledgments
The Alton Abraham Collections of Sun Ra was processed and preserved as part of the "Uncovering New Chicago Archives Project," funded with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Abraham, Alton. Collection of Sun Ra
- Dates
- 1822-2008
- Language
- Documents in English French
- Size
- 156 linear feet (146 boxes, 1 oversize folder)
- Repository
-
Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research CenterUniversity of Chicago Library1100 East 57th StreetChicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.
- Abstract
- Alton Abraham (1927-1999), entrepreneur and hospital technician, was a longtime friend and business associate of Sun Ra (1914-1993), the influential jazz composer and musician. Alton Abraham collected manuscripts, business records, printed ephemera, artifacts, photographs, audio and video recordings, and other documents of his work with Sun Ra. The collection contains textual, graphic, and audio-visual records of the work of Sun Ra and his collaborators, as well as professional and personal papers of Alton Abraham. The collection spans 1822-2008, with material concentrated in the late 1950s-1980s.
Information on Use
Access
Series VIII: Subseries 2 and 3 do not include access copies for material in this series. Researchers must consult with staff before requesting material from this series.
Series XII contains personal financial records restricted for 50 years, and academic and medical records restricted for 80 years.
The remainder of the collection is open for research.
Citation
When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Abraham, Alton. Collection of Sun Ra, [Box #, Folder #], Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library
Biographical Note
Sun Ra was born Herman Poole Blount on May 22, 1914 in Birmingham Alabama and was regarded as a skilled pianist and composer by his early teenage years. Although Blount based his musical activities in Birmingham until 1945, his big band toured extensively, playing Chicago in 1934 where he registered with the local musicians union under the name Sonny Blount. Blount read extensively, researching mystical and occult practices, ancient culture, biblical history, and contemporary developments in science and space exploration. During 1942-1943 he was imprisoned for draft resistance prior to being released with a 4-F classification.
In the winter of 1946 Blount migrated to Chicago, settling near Washington Park. Although regarded as eccentric by some, Blount was a respected and studied musician and was regularly employed as a pianist, composer, and arranger in the vibrant south side music scene. During the early 1950s he began rehearsing his own groups, ultimately leading to the 1955 creation of the Arkestra, the large ensemble he directed until his death in 1993. In October 1952 Blount legally changed his name to "Le Sony'r Ra" at the Circuit Court of Cook County, with "Sun Ra" serving thereafter as an abbreviated version of his new name.
Alton Abraham was born in Chicago on May 5, 1927. He served in the U.S Military in Okinawa from 1945-1947, and upon returning to Chicago in 1947 graduated from Du Sable High School, followed by Wilson Junior College in 1950. In 1952 he was certified as an x-ray technician at Provident Hospital. Blount and Abraham became acquainted in 1951, sharing interests in mysticism, the occult, science, numerology, and ancient history.
Along with Abraham's brother Artis, the men founded El Saturn Research in 1957, which would record and distribute albums by the Arkestra as well as the vocal and R&B groups rehearsed by Sun Ra during the late 1950s.
Additionally, Ra and Abraham organized Thmei Research, an organization dedicated to "subjects cosmic, spiritual, philosophical, religious, historical, scientific, economical, etc." Thmei also provided financing for El Saturn's earliest releases and issued a newsletter and book catalog. The earliest El Saturn recordings are singles dating from 1955 and 1956, including the Cosmic Rays "Dreaming" b/w "Daddy's Gonna Tell You No Lie." Some of the Arkestra's earliest studio recordings were released as Jazz By Sun Ra (1956) on Transition Records, and Super Sonic Jazz (1957) on Saturn Records.
In 1961 Sun Ra left Chicago for Montreal with members of the Arkestra including Marshall Allen and John Gilmore. Lacking sustained employment in Montreal, the group relocated to New York City where further difficulty finding work encouraged communal living arrangements. While Sun Ra would never again reside in Chicago, Abraham continued to manage some of the Arkestra's business engagements and the Saturn Record label in Chicago. By the late 1960s Sun Ra began giving performances on college campuses and appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone. During these years, recordings on ESP Records such as The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra Vols. 1 and 2 (1965, 1966), added to the growing catalog of Sun Ra recordings available through Saturn Records such as The Magic City (1966) and Atlantis (1969). In 1967 Abraham, along with Sun Ra, James Bryant, and Almeter Hayden, incorporated Ihnfinity, Inc. in the State of Illinois with the intention of it serving as an umbrella organization for Sun Ra's activities. The following year Sun Ra and members of the Arkestra would move into a large home in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, commuting regularly to New York City for performances. In 1972 Ra and Abraham published two volumes of Sun Ra's poetry, The Immeasurable Equation, and Extensions Out: The Immeasurable Equation Vol. 2, some of which had previously appeared on the back cover of Saturn Records.
Opportunities for international performance expanded significantly during the 1970s and Arkestra recordings became more widely available following a 1972 agreement with Impulse Records, who reissued The Magic City and Atlantis in 1973. While Sun Ra would continue sending recordings to Abraham in Chicago through the late 1970s, such as The Soul Vibrations of Man (1977) and Taking a Chance on Chances (1977), he also began independently pressing Saturn records in Philadelphia, relying on the assistance of Arkestra members. Similarly, as performance opportunities expanded throughout the 1970s Arkestra trumpeter Danny Thompson increasingly took on the responsibilities of de facto business and tour manager.
Following Sun Ra's death in Birmingham 1993, Abraham became involved with the reissue and rerelease of out-of-print Sun Ra recordings. In addition to his activities with Sun Ra, Abraham was employed as an x-ray technician, and independently pursued his interests in spirituality, history, science, and technology. Alton Abraham died June 6, 1999 in Chicago.
Scope Note
Throughout his long friendship and business association with Sun Ra, Alton Abraham collected manuscripts, business records, printed ephemera, artifacts, photographs, audio and video recordings, and other documents. The collection contains textual, graphic, and audio-visual records of the work of Sun Ra and members of the Arkestra, as well as professional and personal papers of Alton Abraham. The collection spans 1822-2008, with material concentrated in the late 1950s-1980s.
This collection also contains material of research value in the subjects of audio and film recording, independent music production and distribution, African-American communities in Chicago, radical politics, health sciences, book collecting, race theories, spirituality and the occult.
There is considerable duplication of materials, particularly printed ephemera, across the collection. Copies of the same item duplicated in multiple series often document different aspects of Sun Ra and Alton Abraham's endeavors.
The collection is arranged in twelve series:
Series I: Biographical, contains writings about Sun Ra, including interviews, critical essays, articles, and obituaries. Also included in this series are a small number of biographical writings about John Gilmore.
Series II: Performance, contains textual and graphic documents of Sun Ra performances from 1966-1989, as well as performances by members of the Arkestra and other associated musicians from 1993-1998. Materials include clippings, broadsides, handbills, programs, press releases, set lists, and tour itineraries.
Series III: Recording, contains textual and graphic documents of recordings by Sun Ra, members of the Arkestra, and other associated musicians from 1955-1995. Materials include discographies, catalogs, clippings, press releases, handbills, broadsides, advertising copy, radio playlists, drafts of track listings and liner notes, and production notes.
Series IV: Music Manuscripts, contains Sun Ra's original works and arrangements of standards. Also included are music manuscripts prepared by others, including Alton Abraham. Materials in this series include arrangements, compositions, sketches, lyrics, notes and fragmentary music notations. Many of the manuscripts are undated, but generally range from the 1960s-1980s.
Series V: Verse, Prose and Notes, contains manuscripts, proofs, broadsides, pamphlets, notebooks and books by Sun Ra. It also includes notes, fragmentary works, and a small number of works by Alton Abraham and unidentified writers. Most items are undated, but generally span the 1950s-1980s.
Series VI: Business Records, contains records of the business operations of Saturn Records and other endeavors managed by Alton Abraham in collaboration with Sun Ra and others. The bulk of this material was kept by Alton Abraham, though some material may have been collected from Sun Ra, John Gilmore and others. Materials date from 1939-1998, but mainly document business activities from the late 1950s through the mid-1990s. Material in this series includes legal agreements, business forms and stationery, financial records, ephemera, instructional books and pamphlets, correspondence and notebooks.
Series VII: Alton Abraham, documents Abraham's education, employment, personal life, and interests in areas such as spirituality, the supernatural, science and technology, politics, history, and music. There is also some material related to Abraham's friends, associates and family members. Materials in this series include publications, ephemera, educational and instructional materials, correspondence, notes, sheet music, songbooks and manuscripts. This series spans 1822-1993, with material concentrated in the 1940s-1980s.
Series VIII: Audio-Visual, contains photographs, audio recordings, and film and video recordings. Included are photographs of Sun Ra and the Arkestra, filmstrips and videocassettes, audio cassette tapes, reel tapes, and vinyl records. Many items are undated, spanning the late 1950s-1990s.
Series IX: Art and Artifacts, contains items related to Sun Ra, Saturn Records, and music in general; as well as personal items that belonged to Alton Abraham. In the first category are sample album jackets; proofs and layouts of album covers, catalogs and advertisements; drawings, sketches and paintings; photographs of artworks; musical instruments and equipment; metal stampers for vinyl records; printing blocks and office supplies. In the second category are decorative ornaments and personal items such as a wallet and a briefcase.
Some items are matted or framed for display. Most items are undated but generally span the late 1950s-1980s.
Series X: Oversize, consists of large-format materials transferred from previous series.
Series XI: Restricted, consists of personal financial records, academic records, medical records, and identification and registration documents, all transferred from Series VII.
Processing Information note
This collection was surveyed as part of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium's Survey Initiative on 2010 January 19 by Lisa Calahan and Bergis Jules.
Indexed Terms
INVENTORY
This series contains biographical writings about Sun Ra, including interviews, critical essays, articles, and obituaries. Other biographical information includes a 1975 biographical statement, a postcard from the Hyde Park Art Center's "Pathways to Unknown Worlds" exhibition, a list of members of the Arkestra, and a map of Sun Ra's gravesite. Also included in this series are a small number of biographical writings about John Gilmore. Most of the writings in this series are in the form of clippings, photocopies, or sample copies of publications. This series is organized chronologically from 1966-2007, with undated material at the end of the series.
Autobiographical writings by Sun Ra are in Series V: Subseries 1. Discographies are in Series III: Subseries 2. Oversize materials, consisting of newspaper clippings, a scrapbook, a Buzzard comic book, and a poster for the Hyde Park Art Center's 2006 symposium "Sun Ra: The Astro Black and Other Solar Myths," have all been transferred to Series X: Subseries 1.
- Title
- "Homage to Sun Ra," Change, 1966
- Title
- "Spiritual Voices of Black America," Liberator, 1966
- Title
- "The New Jazz," Newsweek, 1966
- Title
- Henry Dumas, "An Interview with Sun Ra," Hiram Poetry Review, 1967
- Title
- Tam Fiofori, "The Illusion of Sun Ra," Liberator, 1967
- Title
- "Sun Ra," Jazz on Record, 1968
- Title
- John Sinclair, "Self-Determination Music," Jazz & Pop, 1970
- Title
- Harriet Choice, "Rah, rah...sunny Mr. Ra," Chicago Tribune, 1972
- Title
- Ray Townley, "Sun Ra," Down Beat, 1973
- Title
- Tom Bingham, "The Many Worlds of Sun Ra," Audio, 1975
- Title
- Harvey Pekar, "Sun Ra;" Vladimir Simosko, "John Gilmore," Coda, 1975
- Title
- Biographical statement, 1975
- Title
- Bob Rusch, "John Gilmore: Oral history/Interview," 1978
- Title
- Bob Rusch, "Sun Ra: Interview," Cadence, 1978
- Title
- J.C. Thomas, "Sun Ra's Space Probe," Down Beat, 1978
- Title
- Mark C. Gridley, "Bill Evans, Sun Ra, and Cecil Taylor," Jazz Styles, 1978
- Title
- Michael Hoenig, "Sounds: Tomorrow's Music Today," Penthouse, 1978
- Title
- Michael Hopkins, "Lord of the Saturnian Rings: Sun Ra Disco," The Spectrum, 1978
- Title
- Charles White, "The People are the Instrument: Interview with Sun Ra," Lightworks, 1979
- Title
- David Miller, "Sun Ra," Real Times, 1979
- Title
- "Une porte s'oeuvre," Les Tubes de l'Été, circa 1970s
- Title
- "Sun Ra's Solar Jet-Set Arkestra," Soho Weekly News, 1980
- Title
- Daniel Allen, "Sun Ra," Bibliography of Discographies, Volume 2: Jazz, 1981
- Title
- "International Jazz Critics Poll," Down Beat, 1982
- Title
- "Sun Ra," New Musical Express, 1982
- Title
- "Sun Ra," Stop, 1982
- Title
- Richard Harrington, "Jazz & Astral Visions," Washington Post, 1982
- Title
- "Interplanetair entertainment met ceremoniemeester Sun Ra!" Travers, 1983
- Title
- "Sun Ra," Nancy Jazz Pulsations, 1983
- Title
- John Diliberto, "John Gilmore: Three Decades in the Sun's Shadow," Down Beat, 1984
- Title
- Val Wilmer, "John Gilmore: A Quiet Screamer from Mississippi," The Wire, 1985
- Title
- Art Sato, "John Gilmore," Be-Bop and Beyond, 1986
- Title
- Jim Macnie, "The Original Brother from Another Planet," The New Paper, 1986
- Title
- "The 52nd Annual Down Beat Reader's Poll," Down Beat, 1987
- Title
- "Sun Ra," Jazz: The Essential Companion, 1987
- Title
- Bob Doerschuk, "Sun Ra: Jazz from Another Planet," Keyboard, 1987
- Title
- "Big Band," Down Beat, 1988
- Title
- Owen McNally, "Sun Ra: The high priest of avant-garde jazz," Hartford Courant, 1988
- Title
- Barry Kernfeld, "Sun Ra," New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, 1988
- Title
- "Quotations from the Prime Minister of Saturn," 1988
- Title
- Ira Steingroot, "Sun Ra's Magical Kingdom," Reality Hackers, 1988
- Title
- Sun Ra Omniverse Arkestra, 1990
- Title
- "All Over the Universe with Sun Ra," Record Exchange Music Monitor, 1990
- Title
- "Sun Ra," Wire Magazine, 1990
- Title
- Michael L. Lablanc, "Sun Ra," Contemporary Musicians, Volume 5, 1991
- Title
- Art Lange, "The First Evidence of Life on Saturn," Pulse! 1992
- Title
- "Sun Ra, avant-garde jazz musician," Chicago Tribune, 1993
- Title
- Russell Woessner, "Joyful Memorial Tribute to Sun Ra with the Intergalactic Arkestra," City Paper, 1993
- Title
- John Corbett, "Inherit the Sun," Down Beat, 1993
- Title
- Robert Campbell, "Sun Ra: Supersonic Sounds from Saturn," Goldmine, 1993
- Title
- Scott Yanow, "Sun Ra," Jazziz, 1993
- Title
- David Block, "John Gilmore," Jazz Journal International, 1994
- Title
- "Sun Ra," Life, 1994
- Title
- Hyde Park Art Center, "Pathways to Unknown Worlds," 2006-2007
- Title
- John Farris, "Space is the Place," undated
- Title
- Tam Fiofori, "The Space Age Music of Sun Ra...'Between Two Worlds'," undated
- Title
- Tam Fiofori, "Sun Ra's Space Odyssey," undated
- Title
- Jim Macnie, "Sun Ra is the Heaviest Man in this Galaxy," undated
- Title
- Jim Macnie, "Space is the Place," undated
- Title
- Harvey Pekar and R. Crumb, "Ridin' the Dog," undated
- Title
- Bret Primack, "Captain Angelic: Sun Ra," Down Beat, undated
- Title
- Bryan Sale, "Sun Ra," Be-Bop and Beyond, undated
- Title
- Michael Shore, "Sun Ra," undated
- Title
- David Sprague, "Sun Ra Not of this Earth," undated
- Title
- Neil Tesser, "Sun Ra's wild orbit cooks hot dish," undated
- Title
- Rich Theis, "Sun Ra," undated
- Title
- "Astro Black Mythology," Forces in Motion, undated
- Title
- "The Free, New Jazz of Sun Ra," undated
- Title
- "Sun Ra," undated
- Title
- "Sun Ra," Jazz Pianists, undated
- Title
- "Sun Ra celestiali suoni del futuro," undated
- Title
- "Sun Ra and his Solar Astro-Infinity Arkestra," undated
- Title
- List of Arkestra members, undated
- Title
- Map of Sun Ra's gravesite, undated
- Title
- The Jazz Store Catalog, undated
- Title
- Clippings, circa 1960s-1990s
This series contains textual and graphic documents Sun Ra performances from 1966-1989, as well as performances by members of the Arkestra and other associated musicians from 1993-1998. Also included is material documenting the film Space is the Place. Materials include clippings, broadsides, handbills, programs, press releases, set lists, and tour itineraries. This series is chronologically by performance date. Performance dates are given as identified on the items. Undated items are at the end of the series.
Oversize broadsides, newspaper clippings, and posters (including several large-format posters for concerts and the film Space is the Place), been transferred to Series X; Subseries 2. Photographs, audio recordings, and film and video recordings of performances are in Series VIII. Some material in this series is duplicated in Series VI.
- Title
- Tompkins Square Amphitheater, New York, 14 July 1966
- Title
- Slugs', New York, 1967
- Title
- University of Santa Clara, Santa Clara, California, 11 April 1969
- Title
- London and Paris, 1970
- Title
- Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2 February 1971
- Title
- Alhambra Theater, San Francisco, 13 November 1972
- Title
- The East, 29 December 1972
- Title
- Auditorium Theater, Chicago, 21 April 1973
- Title
- Black Music Conference, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, April 1973
- Title
- Mexico tour, 1973-1974
- Title
- Keystone Korner, San Francisco, 30 October-10 November 1974
- Title
- Ruthie's Inn, Berkeley, California, 30 November-1 December 1974
- Title
- San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco, 19 April 1975
- Title
- Maryjane, Sacramento, California, 3 May 1975
- Title
- Unidentified festival, 17 July 1976
- Title
- The Venue, London, 27-28 July 1976
- Title
- Jazz Marathon, Brussels, 1-3 June 1979
- Title
- Carnegie Hall, New York, 20 September 1979
- Title
- Ann Arbor Jazz Festival, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 28-30 September, 1979
- Title
- Glasgow International Folk Festival, Glasgow, Scotland, July- August 1982
- Title
- Bluebird, Bloomington, Indiana, 11 October 1982
- Title
- Paris Jazz Festival, Paris, 25 October-1 November 1983
- Title
- European tour, March 1984
- Title
- The Old Waldorf, Fans Francisco, 4 April 1984
- Title
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1 October 1985
- Title
- Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase, Blackstone Hotel, Chicago, 1-6 October, 1985
- Title
- Seattle, 7 January 1986
- Title
- Grendel's Lair, Philadelphia, 4 August 1986
- Title
- Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, 24 September 1986
- Title
- Sweet Basil, New York, 30 June-5 July 1987
- Title
- Center Fest, North Carolina, 18-25 September 1987
- Title
- Harmonie Park, Detroit, Michigan, 17 October 1987
- Title
- Bastille Days, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 15 July 1988
- Title
- Club Quattro, Japan, 8 August 1988
- Title
- Chicago Old Style Jazz Festival, Chicago, 31 August-4 September 1988
- Title
- Staller Center, New York, 28 February 1989
- Title
- Koncepts Cultural Gallery, Oakland, California, 7-8 April 1989
- Title
- Sant'Anna Arresi Jazz Festival, Sardinia, Italy, August-September 1989
- Title
- D.C. Space, Washington, D.C., circa 1980s
- Title
- Presidential Jazz Weekend, Philadelphia, 12-15 February 1993
- Title
- First Congregational Church, Washington, D.C.
- Title
- Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum, Philadelphia,18 October 1993
- Title
- Fez, New York, 4 January 1998
- Title
- Community Education Center, Philadelphia, 18 January 1998
- Title
- Jake and Oliver's, Philadelphia, 14 February 1998
- Title
- West Warwick, Rhode Island, 15 July 1998
- Title
- Bright Monuments Festival, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 18 July 1998
- Title
- Vermont Jazz Festival, Brattleboro, Vermont, 19 July 1998
- Title
- "The Jazz City," Philadelphia, 1998
- Title
- Budland, Chicago, undated
- Title
- Ella Guru's, Knoxville, Tennessee, undated
- Title
- Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, New York, undated
- Title
- Unidentified Pan-African Study-Tour Committee performance, undated
- Title
- Haverford College, Pennsylvania, undated
This series contains textual and graphic documents of audio recordings by Sun Ra and members of the Arkestra from 1955-1995. This series is organized into two subseries:
Subseries 1: Production and Promotion, is organized chronologically by item date or by recording release date. Item dates sometimes differ from release dates. Undated items are at the end of the series. Materials include catalogs, clippings, press releases, handbills, broadsides, advertising copy, radio playlists, drafts of track listings and liner notes, and production notes.
Subseries 2: Discographies, is organized chronologically by document date. This subseries contains discographies compiled by researchers of Sun Ra's work, as well as by Alton Abraham. Discographies are in the form of notes, lists, photocopied articles and printouts of computer files.
Oversize broadsides and posters, as well as a binder for the discography by Tilman Stahl, have been transferred to Series X: Subseries 3. Audio and audio-visual recordings are in Series VIII. Sample album jackets and other material related to album cover design are in Series IX. Some material in this series is duplicated in Series VI.
- Title
- Cosmic Rays, "Somebody's in Love," and "Bye Bye," 1955
- Title
- circa 1955-1960s
- Note
-
- Fate in a Pleasant Mood
- Rocket Number Nine
- Super-Sonic Jazz
- Jazz in Silhouette
- Other Planes of There
- Secrets of the Sun
- When Sun Comes Out
- The Magic City
- Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow
- When Angels Speak of Love
- Lady with the Golden Stockings
- Angels and Demons at Play
- Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy
- We Travel the Space Ways
- Title
- Jazz by Sun Ra, 1956
- Title
- Super-Sonic Jazz, 1956
- Title
- Jazz in Silhouette, 1959
- Title
- Space Loneliness, 1960
- Title
- The Heliocentric World of Sun Ra, Vol. I, 1965
- Title
- The Magic City, 1966
- Title
- 1966
- Note
-
- Other Planes of There
- Sun Ra and His Solar Arkestra Visit Planet Earth
- Title
- 1967
- Note
-
- Strange Strings
- The Magic City
- Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow
- When Angels Speak of Love
- The Nubians Plutonia
- ‘We Travel the Space Ways'
- Interstellar Low Ways
- ‘Cosmic Tone for Mental Therapy'
- Title
- Nuits de la Fondation Maeght, 1971
- Title
- Space is the Place, 1972
- Title
- Astro Black, 1973
- Title
- Lanquidity, 1978
- Title
- The Other Side of the Sun, 1979
- Title
- John Cage Meets Sun Ra, 1979
- Title
- 1995
- Note
-
- Love in Outer Space
- Pleiades
- Friendly Galaxy
- Live at the Hackney Empire
- A Quiet Place in the Universe
- Title
- Undated
- Note
-
- When Sun Comes Out, Vol. I
- When Sun Comes Out, Vol. II
- When Sun Comes Out, Vol. III
- Super-Sonic Jazz
- Jazz in Silhouette
- Music from Tomorrow's World
- Flights over Jupiter
- Rocket to Outer Space
- Planet Earth
- Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy
- Neptunal Horizons
- Title
- Undated
- Note
-
- The Magic City
- Space is the Place
- Discipline 27-11
- Title
- Undated
- Note
-
- "Baritone Retinue"
- "Soul Vibrations"
- "Taking a Chance"
- "Continuation"
- Title
- Undated
- Note
-
- "Blues at Midnight"
- "Sunology"
- "Soft Talk"
- Title
- Alton Abraham, El Saturn Records discographies, circa 1970s
- Title
- Tilman Stahl, "Sun Ra Materialen/Sun Ra Material," discography, 1983
- Title
- Discographies, circa 1980s
- Title
- Jean Buzelin and Alain-René Hardy, "Disco Sun Ra/1," discography, 1953-1970, 1991
- Title
- "Sun Ra Discography," Robert L. Campbell, 1993
This series contains manuscripts of Sun Ra's music writing. Also included are music manuscripts prepared by others, and copies of original manuscripts. There are arrangements, compositions, sketches, lyrics, notes and fragmentary music notations. Peripheral material of Sun Ra and Alton Abraham, such as correspondence and notes, is also retained with the manuscripts, though it is not always related. Most manuscripts are undated, but generally range from the 1960s-1980s.
This series is organized into two subseries:
Subseries 1: Sun Ra Manuscripts, contains Sun Ra's manuscripts of his own music, as well as his arrangements of jazz standards. There are holograph manuscripts as well as copies that Sun Ra used to document copyright. Also included are untitled and fragmentary works, and a notebook containing a variety of Sun Ra's music writings.
Subseries 2: Manuscripts by Others, includes compositions by Alton Abraham, Walter Dunn, Ruth Lewis, Faith McBride, and unidentified composers. Some manuscripts may represent versions of Sun Ra's works that were transcribed by others, or works on which Sun Ra collaborated with others. Included are later manuscripts of songs recorded in the late 1950s by the Chicago R&B performer Yochanan. Materials are organized by size.
Manuscripts consisting primarily of lyrics and other verse writings are in Series V.
- Title
- "21st Century,"
- Title
- "Barbizon"
- Title
- "City in the Clouds"
- Title
- "Coordination"
- Title
- "Cosmos-Sun-Day"
- Title
- "Discipline #1"
- Title
- "Discipline 99"
- Title
- "Hi Spook"
- Title
- "I'm Gonna Unmask the Batman"
- Title
- "Loco"
- Title
- "Love in Outer Space"
- Title
- "Opus 5"
- Title
- "Opus Springtime"
- Title
- "Saturn"
- Title
- "Space Loneliness"
- Title
- "Star Time"
- Title
- "Who in the World Do You Love?"
- Title
- "Wrappin' It Up"
- Title
- "Yeah Man!"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Astro-Black"
- "Astro-Black Mythology"
- "Cosmo-Celebration"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Can You Take It?"
- "Keep Smilin'"
- "New Horizons"
- "Stratosphere"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Door of the Cosmos"
- "I Kiss Your Hand Madam"
- "Travel the Spaceways"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Akasoinying"
- "D3"
- "Deep Purple"
- "Intragalactic Thing"
- "Pan Astro"
- "Sunology"
- "TNR 1980#2"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "January 23, 1971"
- "March 16, 1985"
- Title
- Untitled manuscripts
- Title
- "83 Comet"
- Title
- "Astro Black"
- Title
- "Hidden Spheres"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Discipline 33"
- "Sea of Sounds"
- "Space is the Place"
- Title
- "The Cosmo-Fire"
- Title
- "Rocket Number Nine"
- Title
- "Magic City"
- Title
- Notebook
- Title
- "Atlantis"
- Title
- "True love is never lost..."
- Title
- "Frisco Fog"
- Title
- "Let's Go Slumming"
- Title
- "Running a Temperature"
- Title
- "At Sundown"
- Title
- "Blue Lou"
- Title
- "Can this Be Love?"
- Title
- "Dream of You"
- Title
- "Four or Five Times"
- Title
- "Frisco Fog"
- Title
- "Gone with the Wind"
- Title
- "I'll Get By"
- Title
- "I'll Never Be the Same"
- Title
- "I'll String Along with You"
- Title
- "Little John"
- Title
- "Might Lak' a Rose"
- Title
- "Queer Notions"
- Title
- "Slippery Horn"
- Title
- "Yard Dog Mazurka"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Chicago Daze"
- "Le Heimt Noel"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Chloe"
- "What Is this Thing Called Swing?"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Diane"
- "Rugcutters Stomp"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Bye Bye Blackbird"
- "Keep Smiling"
- "Say It Isn't So"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Happy as the Day Is Long"
- "That Old Feeling"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Body and Soul"
- "Lime House Blues"
- "Linger Awhile"
- "Willow Weep for Me"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Alone Together"
- "My Funny Valentine"
- "Rainbowville"
- Title
- Fakebook and sheet music fragments
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Domesticated Love"
- "Get Your Shoes on for Savannah"
- "Gonna Fall in Love with You"
- "Lonely Me"
- "No Kind of Love Have I"
- "Old Dreams, Sad Dreams"
- "Sad and Lonely
- "Summer Job"
- "Umbally-Yah!"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Get Your Shoes on for Savannah"
- "Lonely Me"
- "Summer Job"
- "Um Bali-Bali"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Domesticated Love"
- "Every Hour"
- "Get Your Shoes on for Savannah"
- "Gonna Fall in Love with You"
- "Muck Muck (Maat Maat)"
- "Old Dreams, Sad Dreams"
- "Sad and Lonely"
- "Summer Job"
- "Umbally-Yah!"
- Title
- Manuscripts
- Note
-
- "Hot Skillet Mama"
- "Muck Muck (Maat Maat)"
- Title
- "Two of a Kind"
- Title
- "From sunset to darkness..."
- Title
- Music notebook
- Title
- Unidentified works
- Title
- Recorder music
This series contains manuscripts, proofs, broadsides, pamphlets, notebooks and books by Sun Ra. It also includes notes, fragmentary works, and a small number of works by Alton Abraham and unidentified writers. Most items are undated, but generally span the 1950s-1980s. Correspondence of Sun Ra is retained with many of his writings. This series is organized alphabetically by title, subject or format.
One distinctive group of material is a collection of notebooks kept by Sun Ra and Alton Abraham. These contain a variety of content such as numerological figures, sketches, notes, and drafts of verse and prose. This series also contains several files related to The Immeasurable Equation, two volumes of Sun Ra's verse: This material includes manuscripts, proofs, sample copies and cover stock. There are other verse compilations including the unpublished The Magic Lie. Also of note are circa 1950s-1960s typescripts and broadsides in which Sun Ra articulated his beliefs during a formative part of his career. An unusual item is Sun Ra's application to an arts program operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Oversize proof sheets of pages of the Immeasurable Equation have been transferred to Series X: Subseries 4. Written music, including music with lyrics, is in Series IV.
- Title
- "Comments and Poetry by Sun Ra," circa 1960s-1970s
- Title
- "The Differences," 1973
- Title
- Egyptian alphabet, circa 1980s
- Title
- "Everyday events bear witness..." undated
- Title
- "Flight to Mars," undated
- Title
- "Gather together our dispersion..." undated
- Title
- "I do not remember being born..." undated
- Title
- The Immeasurable Equation, circa 1971-1972
- Title
- The Immeasurable Equation, 1972
- Title
- The Immeasurable Equation, 1972, 1985
- Title
- The Immeasurable Equation, Extensions Out: The Immeasurable Equation, volume 2, 1972
- Title
- "In the beginning..." circa 1968-1972
- Title
- "Jazz in Silhouette," circa 1958-1960s
- Title
- "Jazz in Silhouette," circa 1958-1960s
- Title
- "Jesus Gave You a Peace of His Mind," undated
- Title
- "Jesus Said, 'Let the Negro Bury the Negro'," undated
- Title
- The Magic Lie, undated
- Title
- "Music: The Space Language," undated
- Title
- Letterhead, Sun Ra, with handwritten notes, undated
- Title
- NASA program application, undated
- Title
- "The Neglected Plane of Wisdom," circa 1960s
- Title
- Notebooks, circa 1960s-1970s
- Title
- Notebook, circa 1963-1965
- Title
- Writings and sketches transferred from notebook, circa 1963-1965
- Title
- "Oh Terrible Knower (Noah)," circa 1970s-1980s
- Title
- "Safari," undated
- Title
- "Solomon," undated
- Title
- Statements by Sun Ra, 1970
- Title
- "Sun Ra Live at the Black Music Conference 4/73 at Amherst College," circa 1973
- Title
- "Think a Prayer," 1974
- Title
- "Thought Flash," "Tone Pictures," undated
- Title
- "The Tower of Babel," undated
- Title
- "A Treatise on Rebirth," undated
- Title
- Prose and verse, circa 1950s
- Note
-
- "Satan Is the God Of the Spooks, Negroes Are the Children of The Devil"
- "Negroes Are Not Men"
- "The Negro Is a Burden to the White Man!"
- "Message to the Spook"
- "Lucifer Means Light Bearer"
- "Spo De O De...Hoc Way..."
- "The Great Whore"
- "Job in the Land of Uz Means Negroes in the Land of Us (U.S.)"
- "There's a Nigger in the Woodpile"
- "Basic Truths"
- "Logic"
- "Humpty Dumpty"
- "United States at the Crossroads"
- "The Reach for a Better World: Light for the Gentiles"
- "What Must Negroes Do to Be Saved?"
- "Language of the Gods"
- "The True Way to Life"
- "The Light Isg/Let there Be Light!"
- "Days of Vengeance!"
- "Mes is Mesh..."
- "The Way of the Cross"
- "There Are Two Ethiopias"
- "The God of Israel"
- "The Stumbling Block"
- "I Don't Give a Hoot"
- "Why Don't You Turn Again?"
- "Big Brother Left You Holding the Bag!"
- "Moms & Pops"
- "The Poor Little Rich One: The Princes of this World"
- "Neptune is Rex...The Ruler with the Iron Fork"
- "Johnny One Note"
- "A Nigger is a Mess/Jeremiah 19"
- "Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo (The Hokekyo and the Daimoku)"
- "Genesis 3:22..."
- "Egypt..."
- "The Truth about Jesus"
- "I Have Set Before You Life and Death -- Choose Life"
- "Solution to the Negro Problem"
- "Wake Up! Wake Up! Wake Up!"
- "The Bible Was Not Written for Negroes!"
- "The End"
- Title
- Verse collection, undated
- Note
-
- Index
- "The Sound Meaning"
- "The Spontaneous Love"
- "Different"
- "To Some Destination"
- "The Lightning Realities"
- "Thoth"
- "The Farther"
- "The Glory of Shame"
- "Invisibility"
- "Hands"
- "Twin Vibrations"
- "To whom do I speak today?"
- "Concerning that Which Is Called Life and Death"
- Title
- Verse and prose collection, undated
- Note
-
- "The Crate Create"
- "Sun-day"
- "The Invisible Giants"
- "When You Meet a Man"
- "The Sun Is There!"
- "The Spontaneous Love"
- "The Order of the Ardor"
- "To Outer Unseen Worlds"
- "The earth man and the air/spirit man..."
- "The Enwrit"
- "Equality:parallelism"
- "I/We"
- "Ignorance"
- "The Tone of Abstract Love"
- "Confrontations"
- "The Melody of the Air"
- "The Thick Darkness"
- "Of the Myth"
- "Different"
- "Parallels"
- "Figure"
- "The Curse-Blueprint"
- "For Being"
- "Fabricate"
- "Essence/Energy"
- "The Outer Darkness"
- "The No Point"
- "Angelic Brothers"
- "The Name Sound"
- "I Have Forgotten"
- "After That"
- "Words"
- Title
- Verse, undated
- Note
-
- "Brothers of the Sun"
- "The Tradition Creator"
- "The Outer Beyond"
- "The Inned Inning"
- "I Have Forgotten"
- "The Irresistible Thought"
- "If I Told You"
- "The Skilled Way"
- "Tomorrow's Vibrations"
- "The Confusion of Words"
- "The Damning"
- "Prophecy"
- "Alter Is"
- "The Pure Sound"
- "The Spiral Way"
- "The Equal and the Opposite"
- "Of Notness"
- "The Garden of Eatened"
- "Invisibility"
- "Of the Day that Died"
- "The Brass Herald"
- "Preface"
- "Love and Hate"
- "The Shadow of the Fire"
- "Borders of Nowhere"
- "The Soul Dealer"
- "Unremembered Dreams"
- "Truth:Bad:Good"
- "Victory Dual"
- "The Endless Universe"
- "The Place of Searching I"
- "On Solar Planes"
- "The Differences"
- "The Unknown State"
- "Of the Cosmic-Blueprints"
- "Wisdom-Ignorance"
- "We Hold this Myth to Be Potential"
- "Memory Says"
- "Some Tomorrow"
- "The Potential"
- "The Curtain Call"
- "The Spontaneous Love"
- "Other Planes of There"
- "The Flesh"
- "By Golly!"
- "Thing in Itself"
- "Fragments of the Alter-Future"
- "The Ridiculous I"
- "To Some Destination"
- "Never is the Future"
- "Word World"
- "Nothing Is"
- "Energies"
- "The Bound Eternity"
- "The Outer Darkness"
- "The Garden of Eden"
- "The Fire and the Dry Weeds"
- "The Wasters"
- "Would I For All that Were"
- "Be - Earthed"
- "The Glory of Shame"
- "On the Bypass"
- "Self Radiation"
- "Beyond the Truths"
- "Yon Man"
- "On the Edge of the Thin Between"
- "The Endless Universe"
- "The No Point"
- "Birds without Wings"
- "Detour"
- "Whereness"
- "The Endless Realm"
- "Intergalactic Master"
- "Cosmos Evolution"
- "The Cosmic-Myth"
- "The Outer Bridge"
- "Planes of Nature"
- "Twice Told"
- Title
- Verse, undated
- Note
-
- "Cosmic Equation"
- "The Narrow Way"
- "Of the Realm of Vision"
- "Children"
- "Though Fragments"
- "According to Nature's Law"
- "They're Peepin' In"
- Title
- Verse, undated
- Note
-
- "Of Light Things"
- "Spirals"
- "The On Rays"
- "Someone Else and Others"
- "The Limited Mind"
This series contains records of the business operations of Saturn Records and other endeavors managed by Alton Abraham in collaboration with Sun Ra and others. The bulk of this material was kept by Alton Abraham, though he may have collected some items from Sun Ra, John Gilmore and others.
Alton Abraham's businesses operated under many different names and iterations. Business names are given as documented on items. Files are organized chronologically, with undated material at the end of the series. Materials date from 1939-1998, but relate mainly to business activities from the late 1950s through the mid-1990s. In addition to material related to the management of Sun Ra and members of the Arkestra, this series also documents Abraham's involvement with other performers and work as a dealer in occult books.
Material in this series includes legal agreements on matters such as recording, performance, record distribution and promotion; business forms and stationery; financial records, such as statements, invoices, reports, and receipts; ephemera, such as catalogs, broadsides, handbills, pamphlets, brochures and other promotional material; and instructional books and pamphlets related to music recording and production. General correspondence includes business mail, promotional material, customer orders and fan mail. Also included are notebooks kept by Alton Abraham: these contain a variety of content, including contact lists; draft promotional copy; notes on recordings and performances; and notes on personal matters.
Oversize financial records, correspondence, publicity material, notes and blank legal forms have been transferred to Series X: Subseries 5. Additional materials related to Abraham's hobbies and entrepreneurial interests are in Series VII. Additional documents of Sun Ra performances and recordings are in Series II and III.
- Title
- F.H Goldsmith and V.G. Geisel, Techniques of Recording: A Practical Hand-Book on Recording, monograph, 1939
- Title
- Leroy Hughbanks, You Can Make Records, 1945
- Title
- Saturn Records, "New Release Announcement: 'Super-Sonic Jazz' by Sun Ra and his Arkestra," broadsides, circa 1956
- Title
- Financial records, 1956-1957
- Title
- "Down Beat Promotions for Profit," portfolio, 1956-1957
- Title
- Financial records, 1956-1966
- Title
- Financial records, 1956-1971
- Title
- Record distribution, draft agreement, 1957
- Title
- Account book, 1957
- Title
- Wurlitzer organs, promotional material, 1958
- Title
- Notebook, 1958-1959
- Title
- Central Show Printing Company, brochure, 1959
- Title
- Music performance trust funds, forms and reports, 1959-1965
- Title
- Music recording and production, correspondence, circa 1959-1968
- Title
- Financial records, 1950s
- Title
- Saturn Records, promotional correspondence and ephemera, circa 1950s-1960s
- Title
- Stereo and recording equipment, promotional material, circa 1950s- 1960s
- Title
- Saturn Records, draft recording contracts, circa 1950s-1960s
- Title
- General correspondence, 1960
- Title
- Record distribution, correspondence, 1960
- Title
- Fletcher Myatt, correspondence, 1960
- Title
- Saturn Records, sample contracts and promotional material, 1960
- Title
- Notes, circa 1960-1969
- Title
- Notebooks, 1961
- Title
- General correspondence, 1961-1963
- Title
- Come Back, Africa screening at Doc Films, University of Chicago, correspondence, 1962
- Title
- McLin Ensemble, program, 1962
- Title
- "Down Beat Promotions for Profit," portfolio, 1962
- Title
- Saturn Records, "From the World of Saturn Records," catalogs, circa 1963
- Title
- Down Beat magazines, 1963-1969
- Title
- General correspondence, 1964-1965
- Title
- Ruth Lewis, resume and photograph, 1965
- Title
- Playboy Theater, program, 1965
- Title
- Financial ledger, 1965-1967
- Title
- "Jazz by Sun Ra," advertisement reprint, 1966
- Title
- General correspondence, 1966
- Title
- Notes, 1966-1970
- Title
- El Saturn Records, "Strange Strings," catalog, circa 1966
- Title
- General correspondence, 1967
- Title
- Walter Thiers, correspondence, 1967
- Title
- Recording contract forms and notes, 1967
- Title
- Jazz magazine, 1967
- Title
- Record mailing list, 1967
- Title
- John Taggart, correspondence, 1967
- Title
- Record distributors catalogs, circa 1967
- Title
- El Saturn Records, catalogs, circa 1967
- Title
- Copyright forms, circa 1967
- Title
- Saturn "II" Research, Dimpna B. Clarin, correspondence and promotional material, circa 1967-1968
- Title
- LZMC Inc., promotional correspondence, circa 1967-1968
- Title
- LZMC Inc., promotional photographs, circa 1967-1968
- Note
-
- Lu Elliott
- Woody Guenther and the Cheaters
- Lacey James
- Ruby and the Romantics
- George Smith
- Title
- General correspondence, 1968
- Title
- Atra Productions, announcement and letterhead, 1968
- Title
- Hellas Café, handbill, circa 1968
- Title
- Atra Productions, Lacy Gibson, promotional material, circa 1968
- Title
- Lena McLin, promotional material, circa 1968
- Title
- Saturn Research Foundation, book catalogs and letterhead, circa 1968
- Title
- Saturn Research Foundation, book catalogs and letterhead, circa 1968
- Title
- Playboy marketing portfolio, circa 1968
- Title
- Filming rights agreement drafts and correspondence, circa 1968
- Title
- General correspondence, 1968-1969
- Title
- Notebook, 1969
- Title
- Tam Fiofori, correspondence, 1969
- Title
- General correspondence, circa 1969
- Title
- Billy Mitchell (Mitchell W. Boisseau) and Duo Records, recording agreement, 1969
- Title
- Music performance trust funds, agreements, 1969
- Title
- Saturn Records Research, sales representative solicitations, circa 1969
- Title
- Financial records, circa 1960s
- Title
- General correspondence, circa 1960s
- Title
- Notebook, circa 1960s
- Title
- Clippings, circa 1960s
- Title
- "Saturn's Fan Club," postcards, circa 1960s
- Title
- El Saturn Research, invoice pads, circa 1960s
- Title
- El Saturn Records, letterhead, circa 1960s
- Title
- Enterplanetary Koncepts, legal forms, circa 1960s
- Title
- Saturn Research Foundation, book catalogs, circa 1960s
- Title
- Saturn Records Research, letterhead, circa 1960s
- Title
- El Saturn Research, invoice forms, circa 1960s
- Title
- El Saturn Records, "Good News From...El Saturn Records," postcards, circa 1960s
- Title
- Legal forms, circa 1960s
- Title
- Sonny's Stereo Village, catalogs, circa 1960s
- Title
- Atra Productions, broadside, circa 1960s-1970s
- Title
- Notes, 1970
- Title
- Saturn Records Research, Maeght Foundation recording agreement, 1970
- Title
- Notebook, 1970
- Title
- General correspondence, 1970
- Title
- Financial records, legal records and correspondence, 1970-1971
- Title
- Enterplanetary Koncepts, registrations, licenses and notes, 1970- 1973
- Title
- European travel, financial records, 1971
- Title
- Film equipment and production, promotional material, 1971
- Title
- General correspondence, 1971
- Title
- General correspondence, 1971
- Title
- Notebook, 1971
- Title
- Checkbook, 1971
- Title
- American Federation of Musicians, correspondence, 1971-1975
- Title
- General correspondence, 1972
- Title
- Legal correspondence and agreements, 1972
- Title
- Poetry of America, correspondence, circa 1972
- Title
- General correspondence, 1973
- Title
- General correspondence, 1973
- Title
- Travel insurance policies, 1973
- Title
- Down Beat magazine, 1973
- Title
- Triangle Guide magazine, 1973
- Title
- Copyright manual and forms, 1973
- Title
- Notebook, circa 1973
- Title
- Mailing book, 1974
- Title
- Movie Maker magazine, 1974
- Title
- General correspondence, 1974
- Title
- Dimpna B. Clarin, program, 1975
- Title
- General correspondence, 1975
- Title
- Student Activities Programming, magazine, 1976
- Title
- General correspondence, 1976
- Title
- Notebook, 1976-1979
- Title
- Notebook, 1976-1980
- Title
- General correspondence, 1977
- Title
- General correspondence, 1977
- Title
- Judith A. Holten, "The Endangered Species: A One Act History Play for Children," script, 1977
- Title
- Record orders, 1978
- Title
- Jefferson 42, magazine, 1978
- Title
- General correspondence, 1978
- Title
- Jazz Echo, newsletter, 1979
- Title
- Jazz Forum, magazine, 1979
- Title
- Navy Pier performance contract, 1979
- Title
- General correspondence, 1979
- Title
- El Saturn Research, "Hot Hits Fresh from the Sun..." broadside, circa 1970s
- Title
- Saturn Records Research, announcement, circa 1970s
- Title
- Symac Productions, Johnnie Walker announcement, circa 1970s
- Title
- Recording agreements, circa 1970s
- Title
- Financial records, circa 1970s
- Title
- Keystone Printed Specialties Co., Inc., product samples, circa 1970s
- Title
- Notes, circa 1970s
- Title
- Notebooks, circa 1970s
- Title
- Legal forms, circa 1970s
- Title
- Financial records, circa 1970s
- Title
- Farfisa electric organ, instruction manual, circa 1970s
- Title
- Audio recording equipment, promotional material, circa 1970s
- Title
- Saturn Records Research, catalog of Sun Ra albums, circa 1970s- 1980s
- Title
- Notebook, 1980
- Title
- John Gilmore, correspondence, 1980
- Title
- Otis Rush, European tour itinerary, 1980
- Title
- General correspondence, 1980
- Title
- Notebook, 1980-1982
- Title
- Notebook, 1981
- Title
- Pierre Fablet, correspondence, 1981
- Title
- General correspondence, 1981
- Title
- General correspondence, 1982
- Title
- General correspondence, 1983
- Title
- Dimpna B. Clarin, broadsides, 1983-1985
- Title
- General correspondence, 1984
- Title
- Ed Michel, correspondence, 1984-1986
- Title
- Down Beat magazine, 1985
- Title
- General correspondence, 1985
- Title
- General correspondence, 1985
- Title
- Enterplanetary Koncepts, contract with Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, 1986
- Title
- General correspondence, 1986-1987
- Title
- International Jazz Federation, membership application and magazine, 1987
- Title
- Notebooks, 1988
- Title
- General correspondence, 1988
- Title
- Mitchell W. Boisseau, resume, photograph and clippings, circa 1980s
- Title
- El Saturn Research, Sun Ra recordings broadside, circa 1980s
- Title
- Notebooks, circa 1980s
- Title
- Notebooks, circa 1980s
- Title
- Financial records, 1980s-1990s
- Title
- Jazz museums and parks, publications and reports, 1980s-1990s
- Title
- Enterplanetary Koncepts, draft agreement, circa 1980s-1990s
- Title
- Notes, circa 1980s-1990s
- Title
- Legal forms, circa 1980s-1990s
- Title
- Audio recording, promotional material and notes, circa 1980s- 1990s
- Title
- Clippings, circa 1980s-1990s
- Title
- "Pat Patrick: Saxophonist, Musicologist, Composer," brochure, 1990
- Title
- General correspondence, 1990
- Title
- Royalties and licensing, correspondence and notes, 1990-1994
- Title
- General correspondence, 1991
- Title
- John Szwed, correspondence, 1991
- Title
- General correspondence, 1992
- Title
- General correspondence, 1992
- Title
- General correspondence, 1993
- Title
- David Henderson, correspondence, 1993
- Title
- Notes, 1993
- Title
- General correspondence, 1994
- Title
- General correspondence, 1995
- Title
- Hartmut Geerken, correspondence, 1995
- Title
- David DeShong, correspondence, 1995
- Title
- General correspondence, 1996
- Title
- Evidence Music, royalty statement, 1996
- Title
- General correspondence, 1997
- Title
- Trademark bulletin and application, 1997
- Title
- General correspondence, 1998
- Title
- General correspondence, circa 1990s
- Title
- Independent music promotion, pamphlets, circa 1990s
- Title
- El Saturn Research, letterhead, circa 1990s
- Title
- Ihnfinity Research Inc., letterhead, circa 1990s
- Title
- Saturn Research, letterhead, circa 1990s
- Title
- General correspondence, undated
- Title
- Notes, undated
- Title
- Legal forms, undated
- Title
- El Saturn Records, recording agreement forms, undated
- Title
- LP center labels, order forms, undated
- Title
- Allied Record Distributing Company, agreement forms, undated
- Title
- Legal agreement mimeograph stencil, undated
- Title
- El Saturn Research, invoice forms, undated
- Title
- El Saturn Research, Alton Abraham business cards, undated
- Title
- Thmei Research, letterhead, undated
- Title
- Ihnfinity Research Inc., letterhead, undated
- Title
- El Saturn Research, letterhead, undated
- Title
- Atra Productions, letterhead, undated
- Title
- Saturn Records Research and Saturn "II" Research, letterhead, undated
This series documents Alton Abraham's education, employment, personal life, and outside interests. There is also some material related to Abraham's friends, associates and family members. This series is organized into six subseries.
Subseries 1: Spirituality and the Supernatural, contains books, periodicals and print ephemera reflecting Alton Abraham's interest in subjects such as religion, Egyptology, the occult, alternative medicine, extraterrestrials, and the afterlife. These materials span the years 1822-1988. This subseries is organized by format: There is a section of hardcover books; a section of paperback books; a section of periodicals; and a section of print ephemera. Each section is further organized alphabetically by author or organization.
Subseries 2: Science and Technology, contains material related to Abraham's lifelong interest in these subjects, as well as records of his education and employment in technical fields. Abraham collected material on a multitude of topics, such as nutrition, chemistry, psychology, communications technology, electronic surveillance, photography, agriculture, aerospace, and many more. Included are publications, printed ephemera, technical specifications, correspondence and notes. Files are organized chronologically from the 1920s-1993; undated materials are included at the end of the subseries.
Subseries 3: Politics and Society, contains publications and print ephemera on topics such as black nationalism, radical leftism, African society, and minority social issues. Files are organized chronologically from 1962-1992, with undated materials at the end of the subseries.
Subseries 4: Music Instruction, contains of Alton Abraham's collection of sheet music, songbooks, and instruction books. Files are arranged chronologically from 1923-1982, though most of the subseries consists of instruction books for popular music of the 1960s-1970s.
Subseries 5: Knights of Music, is a small collection of material documenting this African-American men's choral group, to which Alton Abraham belonged in the early 1950s. This subseries contains some of the group's concert programs and business records, as well as Abraham's certificate of membership and collection of choral music songbooks. This subseries also contains some related material that documents other unique aspects of African-American culture in mid-20th century Chicago: An invitation to the 1950 "Queen of May" frolic hosted by the Sepians, and an elaborate program for a performance of the Mildred B. Haessler Ballet Group. Material in this subseries dates from 1887-1953, but is concentrated in the early 1950s.
Subseries 6: Entrepreneurship, consists of correspondence, publications and printed ephemera dating from the 1960s-1980s. The majority of this material is direct marketing correspondence promoting pyramid capital schemes and other spurious business opportunities. Also included are correspondence and publications from the Bureau of Land Management, catalogs and correspondence from manufacturing concerns, and typescript excerpts of J.D. Borthwick's Three Years in California.
Subseries 7: Correspondence, Notes and Ephemera, contains material collected by Alton Abraham and his friends and family. Included are materials related to travel, book collecting, automobiles, employment, education, and civic affairs. This subseries also contains several files of notes and correspondence on a variety of personal subjects. Files are organized chronologically from 1929-1978, with undated material at the end of the subseries.
Oversize publications, clippings, sheet music and ephemera have been transferred to Series X: Subseries 6; among these items are several large-format posters and radical publications. Artifactual objects, such as decorative ornaments and other personal items, are in Series IX. Restricted materials, consisting of personal financial records, academic records, medical records, and identification and registration documents, have been transferred to Series XII.
- Title
- Avalon, Arthur, Hymn to Kāli Karpūrādi-Stotra, 1965
- Title
- Belzoni, G., Narrative of the Operations and Recent Discoveries in Egypt and Nubia, Vol. II, 1822
- Title
- Besant, Annie, Thought Power: Its Control and Culture, 1953
- Title
- Blavatsky, H.P., The Key to Theosophy, 1889
- Title
- Burroughs, Joseph Birkbeck, Titan, Son of Saturn, 1921
- Title
- Curtiss, Harriette Augusta and F. Homer Curtiss, The Voice of Isis, 1935
- Title
- DeClaremont, Lewis, The Ancient's Book of Magic, undated
- Title
- Francis, J.R., The Encyclopedia of Death and Life in the Spirit- World, 1900
- Title
- Haddock, Frank Channing, The Personal Atmosphere, 1908
- Title
- Hall, Trowbridge, Egypt in Silhouette, 1928
- Title
- Irving, Washington, Mahomet and his Successors, 1849
- Title
- Jiharājadāsa, C., H.P.B. Speaks, Vol. I, 1950
- Title
- Jiharājadāsa, C., H.P.B. Speaks, Vol. II, 1951
- Title
- Meyer, Rev. Fulgence, The Seraphic Highway, 1925
- Title
- Parsons, Albert Ross, New Light from the Great Pyramid, 1893
- Title
- Priestley, Richard, Nimrod: A Discourse on Certain Passages of History and Fable, Vol. I, 1828
- Title
- Priestley, Richard, Nimrod: A Discourse on Certain Passages of History and Fable, Vol. III, 1828
- Title
- Priestley, Richard, Nimrod: A Discourse on Certain Passages of History and Fable, Vol. IV, 1829
- Title
- Proctor, Richard A., Other Worlds than Ours, 1902
- Title
- Reed, Lucas A., Astronomy and the Bible, 1919
- Title
- Speer, Robert E., Race and Race Relations, 1924
- Title
- Spivey, Thomas Sawyer, Lavius Egyptus, 1904
- Title
- Stockham, Alice B., Tokology: A Book for Every Woman, 1889
- Title
- Unwin, T. Fisher, The Mystics, Ascetics, and Saints of India, 1905
- Title
- Volney, C.F., The Ruins, 1920
- Title
- Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, You May Survive Armageddon into God's New World, 1955
- Title
- Wood, Ernest, Concentration, 1949
- Title
- Woodroffe, Sir John, The World as Power, Power as Matter, 1923
- Title
- Unidentified author, Supernatural Religion: An Inquiry into the Reality of Divine Revelation, Vol. II, 1874
- Title
- Besant, Annie, Theosophy and Christianity, 1941
- Title
- Boots, Gypsy and Thorwald Bosie, Turn On-Turn Off, 1972
- Title
- Cayce, Edgar E., Atlantis: Fact or Fiction?, 1962
- Title
- Copen, Bruce, How Radiesthesia Can Help You, 1968
- Title
- Fox, Emmet, Find and Use Your Inner Power, undated
- Title
- Heline, Corinne, Healing and Regeneration through Color, 1943
- Title
- Heline, Corinne, Healing and Regeneration through Music, 1943
- Title
- McCain, Betty, Abortion and Karma, 1960
- Title
- McDonald, John, The Magic Story: The Message of a Master, 1952
- Title
- Moser, Robert E., Mental and Astral Projection, 1974
- Title
- Namikoshi, Tokujiro, Japanese Finger-Pressure Therapy, 1972
- Title
- Platoff, Raphael P., The Light for Tomorrow: H3, undated
- Title
- Quinn, Pete, Policy Pete's Dream Book, 1965
- Title
- Raleigh, Dr. A.S., The Hermetic Art: An Introduction to the Art of Alchemy, 1919
- Title
- Rogers, J.A., 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro (with complete proof), 1957
- Title
- Rogers, L.W., The Forces We Generate, 1924
- Title
- Rogers, L.W., Gods in the Making, 1925
- Title
- Rogers, L.W., The Purpose of Life, 1945
- Title
- Rogers, L.W., Soul Powers and Possibilities, 1925
- Title
- Rogers, L.W., Self Development and Power, 1910
- Title
- Saxmann, Robert Beatty, Rebirth, Transmigration and Reincarnation, 1937
- Title
- Scharder, Dr. M.F., Sacred Wisdom of the Ancients!, 1959
- Title
- Shay, Joseph M., Out of Body Consciousness, 1972
- Title
- Urides, Eros (a Martian), The Planet Mars and its Inhabitants, 1956
- Title
- Whitman, Edward, The Books of the Planets: the Book of Saturn, undated
- Title
- Woodland, Samuel Francis, All That's Love-ly, 1907
- Title
- Unidentified Author, Ancient History, undated
- Title
- Unidentified Author, I am Decrees, 1937
- Title
- Holy Bible (King James Version), 1964
- Title
- Beyond Reality, 1974
- Title
- The Cosmic Dawn, 1930
- Title
- Cosmic Voice, Vol. I, 1955-61
- Title
- Fate and Fortune, 1974
- Title
- Flying Saucers, 1967
- Title
- Man, Myth, and Magic, 1974
- Title
- Occult Digest, 1972
- Title
- The Occult Press Review, 1923
- Title
- Psychic, 1974
- Title
- Psychic Dimensions, 1974
- Title
- Science of Mind, 1981
- Title
- The Truth Seeker, 1955-1956
- Title
- Abraham, Adam A., 1983
- Title
- Aetherius Society, 1961
- Title
- American Cosmic-Solar Research Center, 1962
- Title
- American Federation of Young Theosophists, 1970
- Title
- Ansaru Allah Community, undated
- Title
- Ascended Master's Darjeeling Council of God's Will, 1966-1975
- Title
- The Association for Research and Enlightenment, undated
- Title
- Astara Foundation, 1966-1968
- Title
- Astrology, undated
- Title
- Biosophical Society, 1956
- Title
- The Bridge to Freedom, undated
- Title
- The Brotherhood of Light, 1934
- Title
- The Children of God, 1973
- Title
- The Christian Community, undated
- Title
- The Christian Vernacular Education Society, 1890
- Title
- Church of Illumination, undated
- Title
- E.S.P. Laboratory, 1974
- Title
- The Great White Brotherhood, 1963
- Title
- The Holy House of Ra, undated
- Title
- International Imports, 1974
- Title
- The Mayans, 1936-64
- Title
- The New Age Truth Organization, 1982
- Title
- Nubian Islaamic Hebrews, undated
- Title
- Osiris Book Service Ltd., undated
- Title
- The Philosophical Research Society, 1987-1988
- Title
- Pyramids, 1973-1974
- Title
- Rogers, J.A., 1960
- Title
- Society of Transcendent Science, 1923
- Title
- Stewart, Kilton, undated
- Title
- Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, 1969
- Title
- Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 1976
- Title
- von Winterstein, Alfred Frh., undated
- Title
- Unidentified authors
- Note
-
- "The Evil Eye" undated
- "Everyman's History of the Jews," undated
- "Indexed Synopsis," undated
- "The Law of Attraction and the Science of Self-Knowledge," undated
- "The Number of the Beast," undated
- "The Seven Portals," undated
- "Topical Helps to the American Standard Bible," 1911
- "The Truth about Jesus," undated
- Title
- Battle Creek Food Company, "Healthful Living," pamphlet, circa 1920s
- Title
- United States War Department, Detector Set AN/PRS-1, manual, 1944
- Title
- American Institute of Engineering and Technology, Drafting: The Language of Industry, volume 2, textbook, circa 1940s-1950s
- Title
- Chicago City Junior College, An Introduction to College Chemistry in the Laboratory, textbook, circa 1949
- Title
- Chemistry course, lecture notes, 1949
- Title
- Psychology course, lecture notes and examination, 1949
- Title
- X-ray technical instruction, lecture notes, syllabus and readings, 1950-1959
- Title
- X-ray equipment, manuals, circa 1950-1959
- Title
- Milton S. Kiser, Analyzing and Tracing TV Circuits, manual, 1954
- Title
- Edmund Scientific Company, Infra-Red Light and Its Uses, manual, circa 1954
- Title
- Boy Scouts of America, catalog, 1956
- Title
- Laboratory equipment and supplies, catalogs, circa 1950s-1970
- Title
- American Society of X-Ray Technicians, newsletter, 1960
- Title
- Mössbauer spectroscopy, conference proceedings, technical specifications and reprint, 1963-1967
- Title
- Technical sketches, 1964
- Title
- Electronic Technician, magazine, 1966
- Title
- Lance Antenna Corporation, brochure, 1966
- Title
- PF Reporter, magazines, 1966
- Title
- Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographers Product Guide, 1966
- Title
- Radio Electronics, magazine, 1966
- Title
- Science and Mechanics, magazine, 1966
- Title
- Nova-Tech aviation equipment, correspondence, circa 1966
- Title
- Surveillance and security equipment, correspondence, 1966-1970
- Title
- Hydrogen generator, operating instructions, 1967
- Title
- Motorola Semiconductor Products, manuals and catalog, 1967
- Title
- New York University, Summer Workshop in Television and Radio, bulletin, 1967
- Title
- Metal detectors, correspondence, circa 1967
- Title
- Agricultural Extension Service, University of California, "Selected Publications on Growing Plants Without Soil," bibliography, 1968
- Title
- Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc., catalog, 1969
- Title
- Joseph D. Cooper, Nikon F Nikkormat Pocket Companion, manual, 1969
- Title
- Bruce Copen, The Radionic Computer Handbook, 1969-1974
- Title
- NSEC, cryogenic accessories, specifications, circa 1960s
- Title
- Pyrotechnics operating instructions, circa 1960s
- Title
- Space Travel: A Golden Stamp Book, circa 1960s
- Title
- Telephone equipment, catalog and clipping, circa 1960s
- Title
- Metalworking supplies and equipment, catalogs, circa 1960s-1976
- Title
- Model Rocketry, magazine, 1970
- Title
- Olivetti Logos 27-1 calculator, specifications, circa 1970
- Title
- Occidental Institute of Chinese Studies, acupuncture, correspondence, 1973
- Title
- Nutrition and diet, correspondence, 1973-1974
- Title
- Science and Mechanics, magazine, 1974
- Title
- Scott R. French, The Big Brother Game, monograph, 1975
- Title
- Surveillance equipment, brochures and correspondence, circa 1975
- Title
- Rapid Electroplating Process, Inc., correspondence, 1979
- Title
- Newsweek, magazine, 1979
- Title
- Holography, correspondence, circa 1979-1980
- Title
- Photograph equipment catalogs, circa 1970s
- Title
- Panasonic Satellite Products, catalog, 1986
- Title
- Gero Vita International, brochure, circa 1987
- Title
- Chicago Academy of Sciences, "Science and Art: Creativity and Motivation," conference program and correspondence, 1993
- Title
- Electronics courses, correspondence, undated
- Title
- IBM Field Engineering Education, Selectric I/O Printer, guide, undated
- Title
- Castolite Company, correspondence, undated
- Title
- Medical procedures, notes, undated
- Title
- Nutritional values of foods, photocopied list, undated
- Title
- Garth W. Boericke, "Homeopathy," pamphlet, undated
- Title
- Mary O'Hanlon, Racial Myths, pamphlet, 1946
- Title
- Charles H. Davis, Jr., "Black Nationalism and the Nation of Islam," pamphlets, 1962
- Title
- United States Department of Commerce, "East Africa: A Market for U.S. Products" and "Market for U.S. Products in the Ivory Coast," supplements to International Commerce, 1966
- Title
- The Real Great Society, conference proceedings and clippings, 1967
- Title
- Black Poets Reading, brochure, 1970
- Title
- Institute of Positive Education, Black Books Bulletin, 1973
- Title
- South West Africa People's Organization of Namibia (SWAPO), Namibia News, periodicals, 1973
- Title
- Southern Africa, periodical, 1974
- Title
- Plain Truth: A Magazine of Understanding, 1975
- Title
- Herbert J. Hansell, memorandum for the secretary of state on the president's power to give notice of termination of US-ROC mutual defense treaty, photocopy, 1978
- Title
- Overthrow, periodicals, 1983-1986
- Title
- Griot: A Journal of Native Consciousness, 1992
- Title
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, brochure, undated
- Title
- Richard Clagett, "Public Sale of Negroes," reproduction broadside, undated
- Title
- Sheet music, 1923-1962
- Title
- Music workbook, 1946
- Title
- Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar, book 1, 1955
- Title
- Anthony J. Manfredi and Joseph M. Estella, Smith's Modern Electric Bass Guitar Method, instruction book,1959
- Title
- Mel Bay, Tenor Banjo Chords in Photo-Diagram Form, instruction book, 1961
- Title
- Charles F. Morrison, Jr., Generalized Instrumentation for Research and Teaching, primer, 1964
- Title
- Authentic Guitar Sounds of Peter Paul and Mary, songbook, 1967
- Title
- John Higgins, "Night Coach," score, 1968
- Title
- Tommy J. Fry, "Triptych," score, 1971
- Title
- B.B. King Songbook: Black and Blue, 1971
- Title
- Kenneth Stanton, Introduction to Jazz Theory, 1976
- Title
- The Buddy Holly Story, songbook, 1978
- Title
- Maurice J. Summerfield, The Jazz Guitar, monograph, 1978
- Title
- Country Superstars, songbook, 1980
- Title
- The Jack Butler Piano Course, part 2, 1980
- Title
- Beatles, songbook, 1982
- Title
- "The Gately Song," score, circa 1950
- Title
- Sepians "Queen of May" frolic, invitation, 1950
- Title
- Financial records, notes and business card, circa 1950s
- Title
- Mildred B. Haessler Ballet Group, program, 1948
- Title
- Concert programs, 1951-1952
- Title
- Certificate of membership, 1953
- Title
- Choral music songbooks, 1887-1952
- Title
- Choral music songbooks, 1887-1952
- Title
- Nationwide Plastics Company, plastic manufacturing manuals, 1962
- Title
- Bureau of Land Management, correspondence, 1966-1970
- Title
- Bureau of Land Management, Our Public Lands, periodicals, 1967- 1968
- Title
- Amway pamphlets and order form, circa 1970
- Title
- Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation, correspondence and catalog, 1974
- Title
- J.D. Borthwick, "Notes from Three (3) Years in California," typescript, undated
- Title
- Business opportunities, correspondence, circa 1960s-1980s
- Title
- Business opportunities, correspondence, circa 1960s-1980s
- Title
- Limited Editions Club, 1929-1941 catalogue, 1940
- Title
- Diplomas, certifications and registrations, 1947-circa 1980s
- Title
- A.O. Knoll, correspondence, 1952-1958
- Title
- Madalynn Friedman, notes, 1959
- Title
- Fiat 1800 manual, 1950s
- Title
- Correspondence, circa 1950s-1990s
- Title
- Chicago Transit Authority, accident report, 1960
- Title
- Adam Everett Abraham, vocabulary list, 1965
- Title
- United States Civil Service Commission, employment application and pamphlet, 1966-1967
- Title
- Automobiles, financial records, publicity material, forms and notes, circa 1960s-1980s
- Title
- Notebooks, circa 1960s-1980s
- Title
- Travel ephemera and correspondence, circa 1960s-1990s
- Title
- Chicago Public Library, bulletin, 1969
- Title
- Clippings, circa 1960s-1990s
- Title
- Ohio St. Matthew University, correspondence, 1970
- Title
- Parke-Bernet Galleries, automobile auction catalog, 1970
- Title
- CPA review course schedule, 1976
- Title
- Notebook, 1978
- Title
- Horoscope, notes, 1987
- Title
- Citroën CX brochure, 1987
- Title
- Chicago A.R.E. study groups, list, undated
- Title
- Business cards, undated
- Title
- Notes, undated
This series contains photographs, audio recordings, and film and video recordings. Materials are organized by format into three subseries:
Subseries 1: Photographs, contains prints, contact sheets, transparencies and negatives. There are also photocopies and printed scans of photographs. Most photographs are in black and white, though some are in color. Many photographs are undated, but generally span the 1940s-1990s. Photographs of Sun Ra and the Arkestra include portraits, photographs of live performances, candid snapshots, and publicity stills for Space is the Place. Also included are photographs of Alton Abraham, photographs of travel in Egypt in elsewhere, and photographs of other performers. There are many unidentified photographs, particularly negatives.
Subseries 2: Film and Video, contains filmstrips and videocassette tapes. Most items are unidentified and undated, but generally date from the 1970s-1990s. Also included is an empty canister and box shipped in 1961.
Subseries 3: Audio, contains cassette tapes, reel tapes, and vinyl records. Included are recordings by Sun Ra and other performers, as well as test pressings and unidentified recordings. Inserts, correspondence and other accompanying material is found with some recordings. Materials span 1964-1999.
Text and graphic documents of Sun Ra performances and recordings are in Series II and III.
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra, circa 1950s-1980s
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra, circa 1950s-1980s
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra, circa 1950s-1980s
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra, circa 1950s-1980s
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra, circa 1950s, 2002
- Title
- Sun Ra and other performers, circa 1960s
- Title
- Sun Ra and other performers, circa 1960s
- Title
- Sun Ra and other performers, circa 1960s-1970s
- Title
- Sun Ra and other performers, Space is the Place, circa 1972-1974
- Title
- Sun Ra, 1973
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra, Mexico, circa 1973-1974
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra by Mike Harris, 1975
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra, Chicago Old Style Jazz Festival, 1978
- Title
- Sun Ra, circa 1993
- Title
- Sun Ra, Schwarz, 1998
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra, Chicago Old Style Jazz Festival, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra, undated
- Title
- Alton Abraham and friends, DuSable High School prom, circa 1940s
- Title
- Alton Abraham, undated
- Title
- The Fabulous Chicago Links, circa 1960s
- Title
- The Visitors, circa 1960s
- Title
- Lacy Gibson, circa 1960s
- Title
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards, 1972
- Title
- Dimpna B. Clarin and others, circa 1970s
- Title
- Egypt, circa 1977-1978
- Title
- Egypt, circa 1977-1978
- Title
- Travel and outdoor scenes, 1975
- Title
- Travel and outdoor scenes, 1978
- Title
- Travel and outdoor scenes, circa 1978
- Title
- Travel and outdoor scenes, 1970s
- Title
- Travel and outdoor scenes, 1988
- Title
- Travel and outdoor scenes, undated
- Title
- Travel and outdoor scenes, undated
- Title
- Apollo mission, circa 1969
- Title
- Unidentified, 1962
- Title
- Unidentified, undated
- Title
- Unidentified, undated
- Title
- Notes, 1966
- Title
- Item 1: Sun Ra, New York, circa 1965
- Title
- Item 2: Sun Ra, Chicago, circa 1958
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra in performance, by Harlan Robinson, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and Arkestra, circa 1950s-1970s
- Title
- Dimpna B. Clarin, circa 1960s-1970s
- Title
- Wilson Junior College graduates, 1950
- Title
- Great Sphinx and pyramid, undated
- Title
- Landscape, undated
- Title
- Unidentified, circa 1960s-2000
- Title
- "Sun Ra: Calling Planet Earth," two videocassettes, 1986
- Title
- Filmstrip fragment, undated
- Title
- 8-millimeter films, 13 rolls, circa 1970s
- Title
- Film box and canister, undated
- Title
- "Sun Ra aux Halles," 16-millimeter film, 1970
- Title
- Dimpna B. Clarin, "Sarung Banghi" / "Kagandahan Mo," Saturn 783, 45 rpm records, circa 1960s
- Title
- Dimpna B. Clarin, "Hain Na Ang Panumpa?" / "Ave Maria," Saturn SR-4276/4277, 45 rpm records, circa 1960s
- Title
- Cosmic Rays with Le Sun Ra and Arkestra, "Bye Bye" / "Somebody's In Love", Saturn 222, 45 rpm record, circa 1955
- Title
- Walt Dunn, "When You're in Love this Way," / "Perfidious Lover," Repeto 4233/4235, 45 rpm records, circa 1960s
- Title
- Walt Dunn and the Metros, "Christina, Eugena, Marie," / "I'll Close My Heart," Repeto 4232/4235, 45 rpm records, circa 1960s
- Title
- Lacy Gibson, "The Sky is Crying" / "She's My Baby," Saturn 436, 45 rpm records and inserts, circa 1960s
- Title
- The Qualities, "It's Christmastime" / "Happy New Year to You," Saturn M08W4052/M08W4053, 45 rpm records, circa 1956
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Arkestra, "A Blue One," / "Orbitration in Blue," Saturn SRA-9991/9992, 45 rpm record, circa 1960s
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Astro-Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra, "The Perfect Man," Saturn ES537B, 45 rpm record, circa 1960s
- Title
- Sun Ra with NU Sounds, "Chicago USA"/ "Spaceship Lullaby," Stopsmiling 24, 45 rpm record, 2003
- Title
- Uptights Band, "Devil's on the Run" / "Mirrors Don't Ever Lie," Uptight 001, 45 rpm record, circa 1974
- Title
- Yochanan Yochanan, "Muck Muck (Matt Matt)" / "Hot Skillet Momma," Saturn 4236/4237, 45 rpm record, circa 1960
- Title
- Cosmic Rays with Le Sun Ra and Arkestra, "Bye Bye" / "Somebody's In Love", Saturn 222, 45 rpm record, circa 1955
- Title
- Little Mack, "Tell Her to Come on Home" / "I'm Making Believe," Saturn 144M, 45 rpm record, circa 1962
- Title
- The Qualities, "It's Christmastime" / "Happy New Year to You," Saturn M08W4052/M08W4053, 45 rpm record, circa 1956
- Title
- Sun-Ra and his Arkistra, "Soft Talk" / "Super Blonde," Saturn Z-1111, 45 rpm record, circa 1956
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Astro-Solar Infinity Arkestra, "Blues on Planet Mars" / "Saturn Moon," Saturn 911AR, 45 rpm record, circa 1968
- Title
- Yochanan Yochanan, "Muck Muck (Matt Matt)" / "Hot Skillet Momma," Saturn 4236/4237, 45 rpm record, circa 1960
- Title
- "Medicine for a Nightmare," test pressing, circa 1958
- Title
- "Blue Set," test pressing, circa 1959
- Title
- American Jazz and Blues History, Vol. 111 Sun Ra The Cosmos, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- American Jazz and Blues History, Vol. 112 Sun Ra Cosmic Chaos, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 1972, Atlantic SD 2-502, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1972
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Myth Science Arkestra, Angels and Demons at Play, Saturn SR-9956-2-P, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra, Astro Black, Impulse ABC Records AS-9255, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1973
- Title
- Sun Ra, Atlantis, Impulse ABC Records AS-9239, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1973
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Outer Space Arkestra, Celestial Love, Saturn C-1984-SG-9, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Myth Science Arkestra, Cosmos for Mental Therapy, Thoth KH-2772, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Astro Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra, Discipline 27-II, Saturn 538, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1973
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Arkestra, Dreams Come True, Saturn 485, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Myth-Science Arkestra, Fate in a Pleasant Mood, Saturn SR 9956-2, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra, The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, ESP-Disk 1014, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1965
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Astro-Infinity Arkestra, Holiday for Soul Dance, Saturn SR-508, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Myth Science Arkestra, Interstellar Low Ways, Saturn SR-9956-2, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Solar Arkestra, Magic City, Saturn B-711, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Astro-Infinity Arkestra, My Brother the Wind, Saturn SR-1970, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and Astro-Intergalactic-Infinity Arkestra, Nature's God, Thoth 1272, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Astro-Solar Infinity Arkestra, The Night of the Purple Moon, Infinity IR 1972, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Astro-Solar Infinity Arkestra, The Night of the Purple Moon, Saturn IR 1972, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1974
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Myth-Science Arkestra, The Nubians of Plutonia, Saturn SR-9956-11, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Solar Arkestra, Other Planes of There, Saturn KH 98766, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Solar Arkestra, Planet Earth, Saturn 9956-11, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Solar Arkestra, Secrets of the Sun, Saturn FG-9954, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Astro-Infinity Arkestra, Strange Strange, Saturn KH-5472, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Myth Science Arkestra, Sun Song, Gravure Universelle GY 30002, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1971
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Arkestra, Super-Sonic Sounds, Impulse ABC Records AS-9271, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1974
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Blue Universe Arkestra, Universe in Blue, Saturn ESR 5000, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sun Ra and His Myth-Science Arkestra, When Sun Comes Out, Saturn 2066, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Anal Magic and Reverend Dwight Frizzell, Beyond the Black Crack, Cavern Custom 6104-12, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1975
- Title
- Count Basie and his Orchestra, Pop Goes the Basie, Reprise R 6153, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Bhagwan Sree Adi Sankaracharya, Bhaja Govindam, Odeon Moce-2001, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1967
- Title
- Brown, Rev. T.E., Progressive Baptist Male Chorus, U-28182, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- George Cates and his Orchestra, Coral 61618, undated
- Title
- Dimpna B. Clarin / The Habagat Singers, Saturn 282, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Philip Cohran and the Artistic Heritage Ensemble, Zulu Records 0004, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Philip Cohran and the Artistic Heritage Ensemble, The Malcolm X Memorial, Zulu Records, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1970
- Title
- The Columbia World Library of Folk and Primitive Music, Southern Italy and the Islands, Columbia KL 5174, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Miles Davis, The Original Quintet (First Recording), Presitge PR 7254, 33 1/3 rpm record, 1962
- Title
- Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, Ebenezer's Singing Choirs, 744, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Gil Fuller and the Monterey Jazz Festival Orchestra, Night Flight, Pacific Jazz PJ-10101, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Erroll Garner, Erroll!, Mercury MG 36069, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Lucy Gibson, I Wish I Had a Wishing Ring, Saturn 528, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Normal Granz, Jazz at the Philharmonic, Disc Asch Recordings D455 V17, undated
- Title
- Ernest Hare/Charles Hart and Elliott Shaw, "Gone, but not Forgotten" / "Swanee River Moon," Brunswick 2141, undated
- Title
- Hyde Park Seventh Day Adventist Youth Choir, Oldney K. Rucker Director, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Curtis Jones, "Cool Playing Blues" / "Wrong Blues," Parrot 782, undated
- Title
- Louis Jordan, "The Chicks I Pick Are Slender and Tender and Tall" / "What's the Use of Getting Sober (When You Gonna Get Drunk Again)," Decca 23629, undated
- Title
- Mismillah Kahn, The Magic Shehnai of Mismillah Kahn, Odeon MOAE 122, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Gene Krupa and his Orchestra, "Let's Get Away From it All" / "Just a Little Bit South of North Carolina," Okeh 6130 (29976), undated
- Title
- Lightnin' Hopkins, Talkin' Some Sense, Jewel Records 5001, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Jay McShann, "Hootie Boogie" / "Garfield Avenue Blues," Mercury, 8002, undated
- Title
- Prince's Dance Orchestra / Yerkes Jazarimba Orchestra, "Dardanella" / Wild Flower Waltz," Columbia 2851, undated
- Title
- The Savannah Syncopations, "Jackass Blues" / "Deep Henderson," Brunswick 3245, undated
- Title
- The Shilo Chancel Choir and the St. Mary's Sr. Choir, The Holy City: Parts 1 and 2, Saturn 222, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- The Shilo Chancel Choir and the St. Mary's Sr. Choir, The Holy City: Parts 3 and 4, Saturn 333, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- The Shilo Chancel Choir and the St. Mary's Sr. Choir, The Holy City: Parts 3 and 4, Saturn 333, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Silver Echo, "Sinner Man" "Land of Fadeless Day," Manor 1011, undated
- Title
- Victor Minstrel Company with Orchestra, "Tennessee Minstrels, No. 24" / Arthur Pryor's Band, "College Overture," Victor Record 35264, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Victor Minstrel Company with Orchestra, "Florida Minstrels, No. 25" / Ada Jones and Len Spencer, "A Race for a Wife," Victor Record 35267, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Fats Waller, '34/'35, RCA Victor LPV 516 (RPRM-7949), 33 1/3 rpm record, 1965
- Title
- Fats Waller, Fractious Fingering, RCA Victor LPV 537 (TPRM-5099), 33 1/3 rpm record, 1967
- Title
- Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra, "I Found a Four Leaf Clover" / "Two Little Ruby Rings," Victor 18950, undated
- Title
- Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra, "I'm Bringing a Red-Red Rose" / "Making Whoopee!" Columbia 1683, undated
- Title
- W.W. Williams, Back Diamond Rattler, Supreme Blues Records SR-1001, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Sonny Boy Williamson, Down and Out Blues, Chess 9508, 33 1/3 rpm record, undated
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9276, undated
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9276, undated
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9288, undated
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9288, undated
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9289, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9289, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9290, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9290, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9293, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9294, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9295-A-2, ASD-9295-B-2, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9295-A-2, ASD 9295-B-2, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9295-A-2, ASD 9295-B-2, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9296, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9296, 1974
- Title
- Test pressing, ASD-9297-A-1, ASD-9297-B-2, 1974
- Title
- Jus Tu, Oriskhemqtua, cassette tape and correspondence, 1993
- Title
- Nat King Cole, The Unforgettable Nat King Cole, cassette tape, 1991
- Title
- Nakula, cassette tape, undated
- Title
- Kelan Phil Cochran, cassette tapes and correspondence, 1999
- Title
- Dr. Richard Denholm, "Mathematics: Structure and Skills," reel tape, 1968
- Title
- Unidentified reel tape, undated
- Title
- Radio broadcast, reel tape box fragment, 1971
- Title
- Berlin, Germany, reel tape box fragment, 1982
- Title
- Reel tape box fragments, circa 1964
- Title
- Sister Angelica, McLin Opera Company, master reel tape, 1965
- Title
- Ethel N.L. Coleman, The Coleman Sociophonic Reading Design for All Ages, metal stampers and scripts, 1968
Materials in this series fall into two broad categories: Art and artifacts related to Sun Ra, Saturn Records, and music in general; and personal items that belonged to Alton Abraham. In the first category are sample album jackets; proofs and layouts of album covers, catalogs and advertisements; drawings, sketches and paintings; photographs of artworks; musical instruments and equipment; metal stampers for vinyl records; printing blocks and office supplies. In the second category are decorative ornaments and personal items such as a wallet and a briefcase.
Some items are matted or framed for display. These are organized together at the beginning of the series and arranged by size and format. The remaining items in the series are arranged by size. Most items are undated but generally span the late 1950s-1980s.
This series includes a wealth of material documenting the process of designing and producing album covers for Sun Ra recordings. For some albums, there is original artwork, layout designs, album cover proofs, and sample album jackets. There are some alternate album cover artwork that was not used, and some for unreleased or possibly hypothetical recordings. Also included are several job files compiled by printing companies that produced packaging for reissued Sun Ra records in the 1970s and 1980s. These files consist of negatives, proofs and job specifications. Another unusual group of materials consists of thousands of record labels for Sun Ra albums. There is also artwork and layout material for albums by Lacy Gibson and Lena McLin. Names of performers and recordings are as given on the artwork or artifact. Artist names are given when identified on items; many artworks with no attributed artist are probably by Sun Ra.
- Title
- Angels and Demons at Play, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Discipline 27-II, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Fate in a Pleasant Mood, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Interstellar Low Ways, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Jazz in Silhouette, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Jazz in Silhouette, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Monorails and Satellites, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Sound Sun Pleasure!!, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Sun Ra, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Solar Arkestra, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Super-Sonic Jazz, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Super-Sonic Jazz, album jacket, framed
- Title
- A Tonal View of Times Tomorrow, album jacket, framed
- Title
- We Travel the Space Ways, album jacket, framed
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, album cover artwork, framed
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, Music from Tomorrow's World, album cover artwork, framed
- Title
- Evans, Jazz in Silhouette, artwork, framed
- Title
- James Bryant, Sun Ra and his Arkestra, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- James Bryant, Sun Ra and his Arkestra, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- James Bryant, Sun Ra and his Arkestra, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- James Bryant, Sun Ra and his Arkestra, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- LeRoy Butler, Discipline 27-II, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, Rocket Number Nine, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, Super-Sonic Jazz, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, Super-Sonic Jazz, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, When Sun Comes Out, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, When Sun Comes Out, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, When Sun Comes Out, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Sun Ra, Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Sun Ra, Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Angels and Demons at Play, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Angels and Demons at Play, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Other Planes of There, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Visits Planet Earth, album cover proof, matted
- Title
- When Angels Speak of Love, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- When Sun Comes Out, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Unidentified album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Aye, black-light painting, matted
- Title
- Black-light painting installation, photographs, matted
- Title
- Black-light painting installation, photographs, matted
- Title
- Black-light painting installation, photographs, matted
- Title
- Black-light painting installation, photographs, matted
- Title
- Saturn Research business card and logo artwork, matted
- Title
- Typographic designs, matted
- Title
- Tickets and handbill, matted
- Title
- Broadside, matted
- Title
- Sign, matted
- Title
- Sun Ra, Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Jazz from Tomorrow's World, album cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Saturn Records catalog cover artwork, matted
- Title
- Black-light painting installation, photographs, matted
- Title
- Angels and Demons at Play, album jackets
- Title
- Atlantis, album jackets
- Title
- Bad and Beautiful, album jackets
- Title
- Continuation, album jackets
- Title
- Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy, album jackets
- Title
- Discipline 27-II, album jackets
- Title
- Fate in a Pleasant Mood, album jacket
- Title
- Interstellar Low Ways, album jackets, circa 1967
- Title
- Jazz in Silhouette, album jackets
- Title
- The Magic City, album jackets
- Title
- Monorails and Satellites, album jackets
- Title
- My Favorite Things, album jacket
- Title
- The Night of the Purple Moon, album jackets
- Title
- The Nubians of Plutonia, album jackets
- Title
- Other Planes of There, album jackets
- Title
- The Soul Vibrations of Man, album jackets
- Title
- Sound Sun Pleasure!!, album jackets
- Title
- Sun Ra, album jackets
- Title
- Sun Ra and his Solar Arkestra, album jackets
- Title
- A Tonal View of Times Tomorrow, album jackets
- Title
- Universe in Blue, album jacket
- Title
- We Travel the Space Ways, album jackets
- Title
- Claude Dangerfield, color separations for album cover artwork
- Note
-
- Interstellar Low Ways
- Sun Ra Visits Planet Earth/
- Super-Sonic Jazz
- A Tonal View of Times Tomorrow
- Title
- Angels and Demons at Play, album cover artwork
- Title
- Celestial Love, album cover label
- Title
- Collectors Items Volume I thru K, album cover artwork and proofs
- Title
- Discipline 27-II, album cover layout
- Title
- The Immeasurable Equation, metal printing plate and negatives
- Title
- Music of the Greater Space Age, album cover layout
- Title
- Other Planes of There, album cover artwork
- Title
- Other Planes of There, album cover layout
- Title
- Space is the Place, production notes on blank album jacket
- Title
- Visit Planet Earth, album cover layout
- Title
- Lacy Gibson, I Wish I Had a Wishing Ring, fragment of album cover layout
- Title
- Lena McLin, The McLin Ensemble Singing Spirituals, album cover artwork
- Title
- Recording studio architectural drawings
- Title
- Drawings
- Title
- Photographs of artworks
- Title
- Unidentified proof
- Title
- Unidentified proofs and layout fragments
- Title
- Fragments of album cover layouts
- Title
- Audio Matrix, Inc., sample album jacket
- Title
- Blank album jacket and type specimens
- Title
- Empty album jacket mailed from Sun Ra to Alton Abraham
- Title
- Lettering transfer sheets
- Title
- Angels and Demons at Play, album cover proofs
- Title
- Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow, album cover proofs
- Title
- Atlantis, album cover proofs
- Title
- Collectors Items Volumes I Through IX, album cover proofs
- Title
- Continuation, album cover proofs
- Title
- Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy, album cover proofs
- Title
- Discipline 27-II, album cover proofs
- Title
- Fate in a Pleasant Mood, album cover proofs
- Title
- Holiday for Soul Dance, album cover proofs
- Title
- Jazz in Silhouette, album cover proofs
- Title
- Magic City, album cover proofs
- Title
- My Brother the Wind, album cover proofs
- Title
- Night of the Purple Moon, album cover proofs
- Title
- Nubians of Plutonia, album cover proofs
- Title
- Other Planes of There, album cover proofs
- Title
- The Soul Vibrations of Man, album cover proofs
- Title
- Sound Sun Pleasure, album cover proofs
- Title
- Strange Strings, album cover proofs
- Title
- Super-Sonic Jazz, album cover proofs
- Title
- Universe in Blue, album cover proofs
- Title
- Visits Planet Earth, album cover proofs
- Title
- We Travel the Space Ways, album cover proofs
- Title
- When Sun Comes Out, album cover proofs
- Title
- Unidentified Sun Ra album cover proofs
- Title
- Lacy Gibson, Wishing Ring, album cover proofs
- Title
- Sketch pad with fragmentary design material and notes laid in
- Title
- When Sun Comes Out, album cover artwork
- Title
- Impulse Records advertisement layout
- Title
- V. Short, drawing
- Title
- Photograph of artwork
- Title
- Atlantis, album cover layout
- Title
- Atlantis, album cover proofs
- Title
- Album cover proofs
- Note
-
- Bad and Beautiful
- Jazz in Silhouette
- Monorails and Satellites
- Title
- Nuits de la Fondation Maeght, album cover proof
- Title
- Album cover proofs
- Note
-
- Pathways to Unknown Worlds
- Secrets of the Sun
- Universe in Blue
- Title
- Proofs of artworks
- Title
- Angels and Demons at Play, printing job file
- Title
- Atlantis, printing job file
- Title
- Fate in a Pleasant Mood, printing job file
- Title
- Magic City, printing job file
- Title
- Unidentified printing job files
- Title
- "The Space Music of Sun Ra," brochure design
- Title
- Drawings
- Title
- Sun Ra, photocopied artworks
- Title
- Fragmentary design material
- Title
- "LP's by Sun Ra and his Arkestra," signs
- Title
- Saturn Research business card and logo, proofs
- Title
- "Hot Hits Fresh from the Sun," broadside layout
- Title
- Saturn "II" Research letterhead, layout and samples
- Title
- Atra Productions letterhead, layout and samples
- Title
- Record label artwork
- Title
- Record labels
- Title
- Record label sheets
- Title
- Record label sheets
- Title
- Record label sheets
- Title
- Record label sheets
- Title
- The Soul Vibrations of Man, Side A, record labels
- Title
- The Soul Vibrations of Man, Side B, record labels
- Title
- Taking a Chance on Chances, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Angels and Demons at Play, record labels
- Title
- Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow, Side A, record labels
- Title
- "Cosmo Drama," Side B, record labels
- Title
- Interstellar Low Ways, Side B, record labels
- Title
- "Love in Outerspace," Side A, record labels
- Title
- "Mayan Temple," Side B, record labels
- Title
- Nidhamu, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Nidhamu, Side B, record labels
- Title
- "Sub Underground Series," Side A, record labels
- Title
- "Sub Underground Series," Side B, record labels
- Title
- Taking a Chance on Chances, Side B, record labels
- Title
- Magic City, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Space is the Place, record labels
- Title
- The Soul Vibrations of Man, Side D, record labels
- Title
- "Message to Earthman," Side, record labels
- Title
- Nidhamu, Side B, record labels
- Title
- "The Perfect Man," Side B, record labels
- Title
- "Space is the Place," Side A, record labels
- Title
- "The Sun Man Speaks," Side A, record labels
- Title
- We Travel the Space Ways, Side B, record labels
- Title
- Bad and Beautiful, Side B, record labels
- Title
- Cosmo Earth Fantasy, Side B, record labels
- Title
- Deep Purple, Side B record labels
- Title
- Nature's God, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Nature's God, Side B, record labels
- Title
- "Sub Underground Series," Side B, record labels
- Title
- Bad and Beautiful, Side B, record labels
- Title
- Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy, Side B, record labels
- Title
- "Cosmo Drama," Side B, record labels
- Title
- Interstellar Low Ways, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Interstellar Low Ways, Side B, record labels
- Title
- Magic City, Side B, record labels
- Title
- Monorails and Satellites, Side B, record labels
- Title
- Sound Sun Pleasure, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Some Blues But Not The Kind That's Blue, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Some Blues But Not The Kind That's Blue, Side B, record labels
- Title
- "Sub Underground Series," Side B, record labels
- Title
- Atlantis, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Bad and the Beautiful, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Cosmo Earth Fantasy, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Outerspaceways Inc., Side B, record labels
- Title
- Pat Patrick and the Baritone Saxophone Retinue, Sound Advice, Side B, record labels
- Title
- "Sub Underground Series," Side A, record labels
- Title
- Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Horizon, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Deep Purple, Side A record labels
- Title
- Strange Strings, Side A, record labels
- Title
- Strange Strings, Side B, record labels
- Title
- "Sub Underground Series," Side A, record labels
- Title
- Record labels
- Title
- Record labels
- Title
- Record labels
- Title
- Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow, front cover, printing block
- Title
- Other Planes of There, front cover, printing block
- Title
- Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy, front cover, two printing blocks
- Title
- Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow, back title, printing block
- Title
- Other Planes of There, "SRA" logo, printing block
- Title
- Thoth Intergalactic logo, two printing blocks
- Title
- Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow, inset abstraction, printing block
- Title
- Saturn Records catalog cover, printing block
- Title
- Saturn Records album list, printing block
- Title
- Arkestra member list, printing block
- Title
- Thoth Intergalactic logo, printing block
- Title
- Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy, inset image, printing block
- Title
- Arkestra member list, printing block
- Title
- Other Planes of There, registration, printing block
- Title
- Saturn Records mailing address, two printing blocks
- Title
- "The Shadow of the Fire," and "The Potential," printing block
- Title
- Three pyramid ornaments
- Title
- Three orb ornaments
- Title
- "Alton E. Abraham" stamp
- Title
- "Saturn Records" stamp
- Title
- "Thoth Intergalactic Productions" stamp
- Title
- "Saturn 'II' Research" stamp
- Title
- "Promotional Use" stamp
- Title
- "Air Mail" stamp
- Title
- "Special Delivery" stamp
- Title
- Saturn "II" Research, address and copyright statement, type pieces
- Title
- Leather pouch containing astrological inscription
- Title
- Wallet
- Title
- Two kazoos
- Title
- Tuning fork
- Title
- Quartz crystal
- Title
- Door keys
- Title
- Insignia pin
- Title
- 45 rpm record adapter
- Title
- Metal ornament
- Title
- Magnifying lens
- Title
- Tarot cards
- Title
- Sun Ra sticker labels
- Title
- Album title sticker labels
- Title
- Saturn Research sticker labels
- Title
- Mbira
- Title
- Necklace
- Title
- Letter opener
- Title
- Craft paper
- Title
- Mars Marine bumper stickers
- Title
- Printed ephemera
- Note
-
- Shelby Hotel Rainbow Room, guest pass
- Roosevelt University sticker
- Syrian apricot paste label
- Title
- Homemade musical instrument
- Title
- Cymbal with numerological inscriptions
- Title
- Microphones
- Title
- Briefcase
- Title
- Drumsticks
- Title
- Planisphere instrument
- Title
- Plexiglass triangle
- Title
- Cymbal
- Title
- Eight metal record stampers
This series consists of oversize material transferred from series I, II, III, V, VI and VII. It is organized into subseries corresponding to the arrangement of these series.
Subseries 1: Biographical, contains newspaper clippings, a scrapbook, a Buzzard comic book, and a poster for the Hyde Park Art Center's 2006 symposium "Sun Ra: The Astro Black and Other Solar Myths."
Subseries 2: Performance, contains broadsides, posters and newspaper clippings documenting Sun Ra performances.
Subseries 3: Recordings, contains broadsides and posters promoting Sun Ra's commercial recordings, as well as a binder that housed the Tilman Stahl discography.
Subseries 4: Verse, Prose and Notes, contains oversize proof sheets of pages of the Immeasurable Equation.
Subseries 5: Business Records, contains financial records, correspondence, publicity material, notes and blank legal forms.
Subseries 6: Alton Abraham, contains publications, clippings, sheet music and ephemera. Included are several large-format posters and radical publications.
- Title
- Scrapbook, 1962-1967
- Title
- Scrapbook page, 1968
- Title
- Tam Fiofori, "Sun Ra's Space Music," Changes, 1970
- Title
- Nathalie Petrowski, "Jazz de l'espace et des astronautes," Le Devoir, 1978
- Title
- Chicago Defender, 1981
- Title
- Daryl Jung, "Attempting the Impossible," Now, 1986
- Title
- Stephen Beaupre, "In Support of the Sun Ra Presidency," Buzzard, 1992
- Title
- Hyde Park Art Center, "Sun Ra: The Astro Black and Other Solar Myths," 2006
- Title
- Crouse Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, circa 1960s
- Title
- Carnegie Hall, New York, 1966
- Title
- Mexico tour, 1973-1974
- Title
- Happy Medium, Chicago, 9-10 September 1978
- Title
- Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, 26-29 June 1980
- Title
- First Avenue, Minneapolis, 1987
- Title
- Chicago Jazz Festival, 1988
- Title
- Ridley's, Philadelphia, circa 1980s
- Title
- Glassboro State College Black Art Festival, Glassboro, New Jersey, undated
- Title
- Space is the Place, circa 1974
- Title
- Performances
- Note
-
- Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival, 8-10 September 1972
- The East, Brooklyn, New York, undated
- Sweden, undated
- Title
- Les Halles, Paris, 13 November 1970
- Title
- circa 1970s-2000s
- Note
-
- Esperanto recordings, circa 1970s
- Reawakening, 1994
- El Saturn Records Deluxe Reissue Series, Atavistic, circa 2000s
- Title
- Discography binder, 1983
- Title
- The Immeasurable Equation, circa 1971-1972
- Title
- Ledger sheets, 1956-1959
- Title
- General correspondence, 1965-1976
- Title
- Sunset Records, catalogs, 1966
- Title
- El Saturn Records catalog, circa 1960s
- Title
- Press clipping montages, circa 1960s
- Title
- Lacy Gibson, posters, circa 1960s
- Title
- Ledger, 1969-1970
- Title
- "Sun Ra and his Arkestra," booking posters, circa 1960s-1970s
- Title
- Provinssi-Rock festival, Finland, poster, 1979
- Title
- Saturn Records, promotional mailings, circa 1970s
- Title
- Notes, undated
- Title
- Recording agreement forms, undated
- Title
- Ramsey Lewis Trio, album cover proof, undated
- Title
- Peter Brotzmann Octet, poster, circa 2008
- Title
- House of Knowledge, "M.H. Hammurabi's Almanac Calendar History," 1962-1963
- Title
- "The Complete Works of Professor Hilton Hotema, circa 1960s
- Title
- Ethiopian Research Library, "Let there be Light," 1952
- Title
- Psychic Times, 1975
- Title
- Silva Mind Control kit, undated
- Title
- Medical Electronics News, magazine, 1966
- Title
- Apollo space flights, commemorative album, 1969
- Title
- Cadillac brochure, 1975
- Title
- American Institute of Engineering and Technology, blank diploma, undated
- Title
- Minister J.M. Miller, "Gospel Spreaders for God," poster, circa 1950s
- Title
- "Doctine Chretienne," poster, undated
- Title
- Yucatan Peninsula, map, undated
- Title
- American Medical Association, "Who Expects V.D. at a Time Like This?" poster, circa 1970s
- Title
- Guerilla newsletters, 1968
- Title
- Yipster Times, newsletter, 1974
- Title
- Sepia, magazine, 1974
- Title
- Clippings and Chicago travel guide, circa 1960s-1970s
- Title
- Music filler paper, undated
- Title
- Sheet music, circa 1910s-1950s
- Title
- Guitar instruction material, circa 1960s-1970s
- Title
- Blank music score pads
- Title
- Newspapers and clippings, circa 1960s-1980s
This series consists of personal financial records, academic records, medical records, and identification and registration documents transferred from Series VII.
- Title
- Personal financial records, circa 1940s-1990s
- Title
- Personal financial records, circa 1940s-1990s
- Title
- Personal financial records, circa 1950s-1990s
- Title
- Personal financial records, circa 1940s-1990s
- Title
- Academic records, circa 1963-1964
- Title
- Identification and registration, circa 1970s
- Title
- Medical records, circa 1970s