The many influences of Zappa

Though Frank Zappa had a style all his own, unique and warped, often grotesque, clearly he had influences. Let's do a little walk through:

Johnny "Guitar" Watson



Johnny "Guitar" Watson, with his clear roots in the blues tradition, distinct electric guitar tone and quality, funky expressive lyrics sung in that smokey voice, and--of course--a taste for the unusual.

"Gangsta Of Love" kind of reminds me ALOT of "Willie The Pimp":



(I thought the video was by Zappa but it's not so ignore it. We'll talk about Zappa's interest in video/film/cinema later...maybe)

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown



The tone is again wiry and distinct, much like Watson's. The ferocity and speed with which "Gatemouth" attacks his solo (0:55) is reminiscent of Zappa's own speedy, spastic style. Also notable here is Brown's tight-knit arrangement which Zappa, though in a much different fashion, would employ in "Peaches En Regalia".

And in the R & B tradition:

The Cadets



The Coasters



Johnny Otis



In analyzing Zappa's Rhythm & Blues influences we see much of where his early approach to original compositions came from. Although his songs represented the R&B tradition in a more satirical fashion, they were not mocking that tradition; they represented his strong roots connection to the music which he grew up listening to and loved. Also present is a distinct instrumentation, particularly the Saxophone, which Zappa would feature in his later songs. Countless other direct influences are present, most notably the theatrical banter and other activity between members of the groups. Oh yes...and Johnny Otis' moustache and goatee which would plaster itself on Zappa's face never again to be removed.