Frank Zappa

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Biography

Baltimore, Maryland (1955 – 1993)

Frank Vincent Zappa (1940-1993) was an American composer, guitarist, singer, bandleader and producer. He was one of the most prolific musicians of his time, releasing over fifty albums of original material spanning over a thirty-five year career.

Born on 21st December 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland, Zappa’s earliest influences were 1950s pop and rock (such as and ), and 20th-century classical composers including Igor Stravinsky and Edgard Varèse. His output was divided between adventurous instrumental compositions and succinct, catchy rock songs with ribald, satirical, or comically absurd lyrics. On stage he demanded virtuosity and spontaneity from his musicians, and employed many performers who would later go on to achieve fame in their own rights. He directed and released a number of films featuring himself, his musicians and entourage, including 200 Motels and Baby Snakes.

His career started in 1955. His earliest recordings date from the mid-1960s, and include collaborations with his school friend Captain Beefheart. In 1965 he joined a bar-band called The Soul Giants, quickly dominating its musical direction and rechristening it The Mothers. Their first release (as The Mothers of Invention; the name alteration requested by their record company) was the 1966 double album Freak Out!. The line-up of the Mothers gradually expanded to accommodate Zappa’s increasingly ambitious and music, but by 1969 he decided to work outside the band structure, focusing on his solo career, and effectively disbanding the Mothers in 1971.
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  • bobo9390

    Super talented guy

    9 hours ago Reply

  • minowaye

    essas fotinho ai fumando pega mal blz flw

    18 May 7:20am Reply

  • dr_bun

    amen to jordanlol i think for me you have hit the nail on the head and to kawww you should be ashamed of yourself

    13 May 5:10pm Reply

  • Kawww

    Don't know how I can have the audacity to call myself a long time Zappa fan considering I'm only just listening to Apostrophe for the first time right now...

    9 May 8:51pm Reply

  • Jordanlol

    An artist that doesn't even get a smidgen of the respect and appreciation that he deserves. No matter how many different types of music I fall in love with, Frank Zappa is ultimately one of the best musicians that has ever graced my ears. All of the elements of his music create a beautiful symbiosis of sounds and auditory pleasure that no other musician has ever comparably managed. He managed to be serious, without being too edgy. He managed to be provocative and iconic with diabolical tact. I've made it through all two hundred motels and not come to even remotely disappointed.

    4 May 7:36am Reply

  • RIMS1985

    Watermelon in easter hay: mother of guitar solo!

    2 May 7:06pm Reply

  • crownanchor

    freakoout baby!!!:)

    29 Apr 9:21am Reply

  • mhecht18

    Check out this interview with Shuggie Otis about Inspiration Information/Wings of Love which is out now. He mentions how Zappa influenced his song, Happy House

    28 Apr 9:54pm Reply

  • darthwolfie

    @Kannibalgryta. Joe's Garage, Apostrophe and Hot Rats

    22 Apr 11:09pm Reply

  • lesdras

    Zappa > god

    21 Apr 4:43am Reply

  • worned

    Zappa is god bro, Zappa is god...

    20 Apr 2:01am Reply

  • songfactslastfm

    "The delight in making music is that you don't have a formula." - Ian Anderson of the legendary Jethro Tull talks Thick as Brick, Frank Zappa and tackling "the unstoppable population expansion of planet Earth" on "Locomotive Breath": http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/ian_anderson_the_delight_in_making_music_is_that_you_don_t_have_a_formula_/

    19 Apr 7:01pm Reply

  • omaCore

    Genius.

    19 Apr 10:56am Reply

  • worned

    ♥ Filmore East, June 1971 ♥

    16 Apr 6:48pm Reply

  • Klaezman

    Is that a real poncho? http://ninelicks.nl/post/47851194548/frank-zappa-overnite-sensation

    13 Apr 9:13am Reply

  • HimitsuUK

    Zappa 4lyfe.

    8 Apr 5:25pm Reply

  • substancex

    I love Frank's mind and I've always really WANTED to like his music, but I've never been able to get into it. I still appreciate his amazing musicianship and composing skills though.

    2 Apr 7:50pm Reply

  • Sooperglitcher

    Please join this fashionable young fledgling group. Its subject matter may be relevant to your interests. Good day. http://www.last.fm/group/Gimp+masks+are+weird+but+great+for+holding+snacks.

    2 Apr 2:11am Reply

  • avantish

    Start at the begining of course with Freak Out! and then move forward.. The first impression doesn't always have to be Franks more approachable albums.. Freak Out! is a very important album in music history and i truly believe if you seriously want to listen to Frank properly, start at the begining

    1 Apr 5:02pm Reply

  • bradwest96

    One Size Fits All

    1 Apr 5:16am Reply
    • All 4329 shouts

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