Frank Zappa

Iconic rocker Frank Zappa, one of the most influential composers and lyricists in rock ‘n roll history was also a major influence on the counter-culture and underground music scenes. Apart from his raw talent, fans were also inspired by his views on culture and politics. In 1985, Zappa testified before the U.S. Senate’s Commerce Committee in opposition to the Parents Music Resource Center’s (PMRC) goal of limiting childrens’ access to music of an inappropriate nature through legislation involving labelling and censorship. The PMRC was a committee formed by the “Washington wives”, so called because of the 4 women involved; Tipper Gore, Susan Baker, Pam Howar and Sally Nevius, and their obvious connections to government in Washington D.C. Memorable sound bites from Zappa include “Your children have a right to know that something besides pop music exists” and described the legislation as akin to “treating dandruff by decapitation”. Interesting fact: In anticipation of being slapped with the explicit lyrics label, Zappa’s 1985 album “Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention”, featured cover art that included alternative disclaimers such as “Warning Guarantee” and “Guaranteed not to cause eternal torment in the place where the guy with the horns and pointed stick conducts his business.” And apparently in 1986, Zappa’s album “Jazz from Hell”, was also given a parental warning sticker despite being an instrumental with not a single lyric.