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Frank Zappa on the Fringes of Rock and Roll

Rock musician Frank Zappa, who died in 1993. For more than 20 years -- including 11 years leading the Mothers of Invention -- Zappa made music that was in turn funny, gross, esoteric, satirical, and danceable. He's now in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (Rebroadcast)

03:04
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Other segments from the episode on January 13, 1995

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, January 13, 1995: Interview with Al Green; Interview with Neil Young; Interview with Frank Zappa; Review of the film "Higher Learning."
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21:19

Soul-Turned-Gospel Singer Al Green

Green is one of the greats of soul and gospel music -- and has just been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He's probably best known for his hit, "Let's Stay Together." In this 1991 interview, he'll talk about his secular musical career in light of being a born again Christian. (Rebroadcast)

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12:58

Rock Musician Neil Young Softens His Sound

Rock musician and new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Neil Young. In 66' he joined L.A. rock band Buffalo Springfield; they split up 3 albums later due to inter-band fighting and their lack of commercial success. Young later joined "Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young," while also pursuing a solo career in a wide variety of styles. (Rebroadcast)

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27:37

"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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28:19

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.

Interview

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