Frank Zappa
Early Life
Frank Vincent Zappa was born on December 21, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. His mother, Rose Marie (née Colimore), was of Italian and French ancestry; his father, Francis Vincent Zappa, was an immigrant from Partinico, Sicily, with Greek and Arab ancestry.
Musical Career
Zappa began his musical career in high school with a band called The Blackouts. This band was composed of a racially diverse group of students from Antelope Valley High School. Zappa's interest in the guitar grew, and in 1957 he was given his first recording session. His early influences were avant-garde composers such as Edgard Varèse, Igor Stravinsky, and Anton Webern, 1950s rhythm and blues, and doo-wop groups (particularly local pachuco groups).
The Mothers of Invention
In 1965, Zappa formed the band The Mothers of Invention. Their first album, Freak Out!, was released in 1966, and it was a critical success, blending rock and roll with orchestral arrangements, sound collages, and satirical lyrics. The band released several albums, including Absolutely Free, We're Only in It for the Money, and Uncle Meat, which were all noted for their innovative sound and controversial lyrics.
Solo Career
Zappa embarked on a successful solo career, releasing albums that varied in genre from jazz fusion to orchestral works. His most successful album, Apostrophe ('), reached number 10 on the Billboard 200. Zappa was also a prolific artist, releasing over 60 albums during his lifetime.
Death and Legacy
Zappa died on December 4, 1993, from prostate cancer. His death was a great loss to the music world, and he is remembered for his innovative music and his influence on a variety of genres. His music continues to be influential, and his albums continue to be reissued and rediscovered by new generations of fans.
