Was the jazz singer also known as Herman Poole Blount on drugs anytime in his life? I read an article years ago in "Down Beat," that mentioned that he had experimented with hallucinogenics in the 60's. Reportedly, it was a result of several bad experiences that led him to take a "no drug" stance later.
I have no idea as whether or not there is a word of truth in the article - except it was published in a a very reputable magazine.
Sure explains his "weirdness factor," but, we'll probably never know for sure. Are you wondering if he was really crazy, or just drug crazy? According to what I have read he insisted on his musicians being clean and sober - no official word on whether or not he lived as he preached. My favorite Sun Ra tune - Nuclear War. Likely he was NOT on drugs (though you might think so from the music) ...
Whether he had NEVER done drugs is a different story. I don't know if anyone knows the answer to that. | 