Frank Zappa Biography

Frank Vincent Zappa was an American musician, songwriter, composer and filmmaker, who succeeded due to his nonconformity, originality and wit. Over the course of 30 years, he demonstrated innovation and versatility, thus becoming a legend. He was against organised education and religion and preached about the importance of freedom. In 1995 he was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and, two years later he won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. More recently, he peaked at number 71 of Rolling Stone‘s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. He released over 100 albums, with 40 of them being posthumous.

Early Life & Career

Frank Zappa was born in 1940, in Baltimore. During his school years, he performed in orchestras and bands, learning to play various instruments, especially the guitar. He used to listen to both 50s rock & rolls song but also classic music, citing Stravinsky and Edgard Varèse as his favourites. Before joining the Mothers, he played lounges and nightclubs and wrote a couple of soundtracks for low budget films. In 1964, the musician joined Mothers of Invention, additionally becoming the lead member. In 1966 the group released their debut album, Freak Out! which was undeniably something else. It gained respect but didn’t sell well.

“A Cynical Joke”

1967 came with two albums, Absolutely Free and Lumpy Gravy. Furthermore, the Mothers moved to New York, where they pioneered rock theatre. There, Zappa founded his own label and recorded artists such as Alice Cooper and Captain Beefheart. For a while, the band went on hiatus and Zappa continued to work by himself. He released his first solo album, Hot Rats, in 1970 and received massive appreciation. Eventually, Zappa reformed his band. The Mothers released Fillmore East – June 1971 and Just Another Band From L.A. still with no luck in impressing the critics who, moreover, felt mocked. In 1972, the Mothers were band from Royal Albert Hall for obscenity. 

The Turning Point

In 1873 the band released Over-Nite Sensation, which included the controversial song Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow. The album, full of dirty jokes and satires, turned out to be Zappa’s best charted, peaking at number 10 on the US Charts. In 1979, Frank Zappa released Sheik Yerbouti, a milestone in his career. It spawned popular singles like Dancin’ Fool and Bobby Brown and highlighted the comedic nature of Zappa’s lyrics. It is his highest-selling album to date, with over 2 million copies sold. Furthermore, the artist released an epic rock opera, Joe’s Garage, which had 3 instalments. It was dismissed by critics but appreciated by fans. In 1981, the created a limited edition three-album series, Shut Up ‘n Play Yer Guitar. Moreover, his song Valley Girl from Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch, an parody regarding spoiled socialites, further proved his subtle yet outrageous humour.

During the 80s, Zappa developed an interest in politics. In 1988, he won a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental, for his composition Jazz From Hell. Furthermore, in 1989 his autobiography came out. In 1990, Frank Zappa even wanted to run for the presidency. Due to personal problems, he eventual proceeded with making music, until his death in 1993.

Photo source: Discogs