Frank Vincent Zappa (1940-1993) was an American composer, guitarist, singer, bandleader and record producer. He was one of the most prolific musicians and composers of his time, releasing 75 albums of original material over a thirty-five-year career, and spanning virtually every musical genre.
Born on 21st December 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland, Zappa's earliest influences were 1950s pop and rock (such as doo-wop and rhythm and blues), and 20th-century classical composers including Igor Stravinsky and Edgard Varèse. Whilst his instrumental music featured strong free jazz, jazz fusion and modernist classical characteristics, he also showed a talent for composing 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
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