Danny Ray Thompson, born Oct. 1, 1947 in New York City, was just out of his teen years when he joined the Arkestra, mainly filling a spot in the reed section where his baritone and flute were often prominently featured in concerts and recordings.
The event was helmed by dancer/poet Patricia Nicolson Parker of the Arts for Art in partnership with Cannon’s A Gathering of the Tribes. Headlining the performers was the Sun Ra Arkestra, led by saxophonist Marshall Allen. Never far from Allen was his bandmate, no, soulmate, Danny Ray Thompson, seated amid an arsenal of instruments, none more formidable than his sound on the baritone saxophone.
His father, Oscar, was a research scientist, and the first African American to receive a degree from the University of Texas. But it was his mother, Elgie, who encouraged his participation in music, the arts, and the theater. All of these attributes would play a significant role in the colorful garb, the theatrical, and the festival-like performances with the Arkestra. After graduating high school, he returned to New York City and began taking night classes at Juilliard.
Szwed recounted an incident that showcased Thompson’s versatility and ingenuity when a three-saxophone melee became so intense that one of Thompson’s keys flew off the horn. “He used his fingers to plug the open holes and kept playing, aggressively. All of a sudden his hand got stuck in the horn, and even after the other saxophonists had grown tired and dropped out, he kept going, not knowing what else to do. You need to be creative like that.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘New York, New York’s’ Colton Ryan is literally lighting up the cityColton Ryan is still getting used to spotting his image on street lamp flags throughout Times Square and the theater district. The leading man in “New York, New York” was nominated for …
Read more »
Danny Masterson Awaits Sentencing in Jail Away From General PopulationThe 'That 70s Show' star was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape against two women.
Read more »
Danny Masterson in 'administrative segregation' in jailThe 47-year-old actor faces up to 30 years in prison after being found guilty during a retrial in Los Angeles last month of drugging and raping two women
Read more »
Fire crews battle fast-moving Danny fire in Antelope ValleyLos Angeles County fire crews are working to contain a fast-moving wildfire that has consumed more than 1,000 acres in the Antelope Valley.
Read more »
Danny Bonaduce Selling Home in Wake of Brain Surgery, Health ScareDanny Bonaduce's recent health scare and upcoming brain surgery has forced him to list his stunning home ... telling us the property is just too dangerous for him to navigate in the wake of his struggles.
Read more »