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How Sun Ra created his own record label, Saturn Records

Season 40 Episode 2 | 2m 03s

In 1957, Sun Ra founded Saturn Records with Alton Abraham, making him one of the first Black artists to have his own record label. The bulk of Sun Ra's enormous discography—well over 1,000 songs and over two hundred albums—was first issued on Saturn Records. "It was me creating something that nobody owned but us."

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
Celebrate the life and career of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver.
Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois.
Trumpeter Lani B. Supreme carries forward a musical legacy that transcends generations.
Musician Hannah Mayree organizes workshops and performances celebrating the banjo's Black history.
Actor John Goodman talks about his work on the film, "The Big Lebowski."
Follow Sudanese musician and ethnomusicologist Alsarah as she leads Alsarah and the Nubatones.
In 1975, Bella Abzug went on the "Dinah!" show and questioned what was missing in our democracy.
While in Congress, Bella Abzug elevated feminist causes, including women's financial independence.
Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug.
Actress Lily Tomlin talks about campaigning for Bella Abzug and how she was inspired to fight.

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