Meant Ra, not Murray - I think Cecil is an extremely interesting individual, poetry included, but I just don't think his sexuality outweighs other aspects of his personality/art. That's what I'm afraid sometimes happens, same with Ra. There are so many other levels on which these people operate that one trumping another seems unfair. I would also never argue that music trumps all - certainly the temperament IS the music in so many ways.
I'm with you on the cultish aspect of Ra, though. I think that's pretty interesting, especially if one were to compare it to earlier big band touring/rehearsing/living practices.