Born on December 21, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland, Frank Zappa became one of America’s most prolific composers. He started playing drums and guitar in high school, composing music in the genres of jazz, rock, pop, and orchestra. During his lifetime he released 62 albums.
In the early 1960s, Frank Zappa was primarily a composer and played music in night clubs around southern California. He composed the soundtrack for the films, The World’s Greatest Sinner (1962) and Run Home Slow (1965). Both were low-budget and limited in their run, but did net Zappa more money than his night club pay. In 1965, Zappa joined the band, The Mothers of Invention, as guitarist and co-lead singer. The band’s debut album was Freak Out!, released in 1966 and followed by a second album, Absolutely Free, in 1967. In 1968, the band release a third album, Cruising with Ruben and the Jets. The sound of this album was much different from the first two, with more if a 50s sound. The band broke up shortly after its release.
Frank Zappa released a solo album, Hot Rocks, in 1969. This sound had a jazz/rock fusion sound. Something that Zappa would become known for. The record became popular in England, but didn’t receive the same success in the United States. Zappa’s most successful album came with the reformation of The Mothers band. Apostrophe(‘) was released in 1974 and made it to #10 on the Billboard charts. Zappa continued composing music for himself and others until his death from prostrate cancer on December 4, 1993. In 1995, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the 1997 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He was married with 4 children. Frank Zappa’s net worth is estimated at $40 million.
