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Rock Musician and Composer Frank Zappa

Zappa's avant-garde band, the Mothers of Invention, failed to get much airplay, in part because of their explicit lyrics. Zappa now divides his time between studio composition and live performance. He is politically active, and has fought against censorship and encouraged his fans to register to vote.

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Other segments from the episode on January 17, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, January 17, 1989: Interview with Frank Zappa; Commentary on pub rock; Interview with David Ireland; Review of Susan Brownmiller's novel "Waverly Place."
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06:25

The Birth of Pub Rock

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers pub rock, a British style of music from the 1970s that resurrected the spirit of early rock and roll. He says the unpretentious approach paved the way for punk rock.

Commentary
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09:32

Environmental Artist David Ireland

One of Ireland's most recent works is his own house, which he preserved in its present, run-down state. He is interested in how everyday materials and objects convey personal stories and the passage of time.

Interview
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03:22

A First-Time Novelist's Take on Crime and Complicity

Susan Brownmiller's book is based on the murder case of Lisa Steinberger, a six-year-old victim of child abuse. The trial is still ongoing. Book critic John Leonard says Waverly Place weaves through New York's Greenwich Village in ways reminiscent of Balzac and Celine.

Review

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"The Real Frank Zappa" on His Career so Far

Before starting his anarchic, avant-garde band the Mothers of Invention, Frank Zappa wrote chamber music and played in lounge bands. His new memoir explains how he went from a freelance guitarist to an unwitting rock star.

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