Danny Ray Thompson passed earlier this year

Regretfully I was not aware until now that Danny Ray Thompson passed away earlier this year. He was a very longtime member of the Sun Ra Arkestra and passed away in March of 2020. He was a part of the Arkestra for over 50 years. That even beats out Harry Carney’s over 40-year tenure with Ellington. I have to assume that’s the longest standing baritone player in a single ensemble. 

Both JazzTimes and the NY Times have nice articles on him, I’d encourage you to read them.

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