Frank Vincent Zappa (1940-93): Hailing from Baltimore, MD, Frank Zappa (FZ) headed to California at age ten. During high school began a garage band, Soul Giants, eventually evolving to The Mothers of

Frank Vincent Zappa (1940-73): Hailing from Baltimore, MD, Frank Zappa (FZ) headed

to California at age ten. During high school began a garage band, Soul Giants,

eventually evolving to The Mothers of Invention. From this moment the trail he blazed

was strewn with adjectives that would follow him to the last. He and his works have

oft been described as bizarre, grotesque, freaky, gross, voracious, offensive and self

absorbed. To one degree or another these concepts rang true, as he was a 'fringe

artist'. His quick wit and scathing satire brought into question issues of music,

politics, the church, education, there were no lines he wouldn't cross. This wasn't a

matter of effect but articulately and thoughtfully expressed, at a time when the credo

of the 60's was to question all. Whether the making of music or discussing social

issues, his mind was his tool of choice. Lasting musical influences were Stravinsky,

Stockhausen and Varesi, he has composed many orchestral works himself. His

iconoclastic style and multi-level way of thought, some day will begin peppering the

lecterns of world powers. Any thoughtful comment is most welcome, Sam

Interesting tribute and possibly the longest image title I've seen.

 

I have some of his albums, Hot Rats being my favorite.

 

P

"I don't even care if you brush your teeth, wowwie zowwie"

across the tundra, mile after mile ...

stan this is a fantastic portrait - very worthy of pubic display...oops "sorry" - should be "public", but then again.. its Zappa.

did u take that picture of him sam?

Compared with FZs' accomplishments I am but a meaningless grain of sand that was afforded a backstage pass during this concert. His annimation, in word, music and thought is what most effected me at the time. I wanted to express this in an image of him. so made this portrait in-sequence, also being a graphic designer I added the type in 2005, I hope it does this mans creativity justice. An interesting fact: did you know that prior to his finding out about his health that he was approached by Vaclaw Havel, the then president of the Czech Republic, to be the Cultural Minister of that country? He had begun taking steps, later on, to be considered as a candidate for President of the United States, all quashed by a most unfortunate health situation. Dreams of what might have been if. Any way thank you all for your kind words...Sam

is that a real poncho, or is that a Sears poncho?