Interviews with Zappa People

Bob Dobbs and Tommy Mars discuss life as a member of Frank Zappa’s band, as well as the big picture of Zappa’s work. They delve into Zappa’s influence on 20th-century music, his use of humor and satire in music, and…

Zappa researcher Bob Dobbs reports from Zappa and Beefheart’s teenage hometown of Lancaster, CA after meeting with Captain Beefheart’s mother Sue Vliet. He describes the significance of the book The Hidden Persuaders by Vance Packard, Paul C. Buff, and Pal…

Nigey Lennon and Bob Dobbs explore the influneces that shaped Frank Zappa’s music, from his parents, to his early love of R&B music, to Zen and conspiracy theories. Nigey Lennon (1954 – 2016) had a personal and professional relationship with…

Nigey Lennon and Bob Dobbs share stories of Frank Zappa’s personal life, including his literary influences, his relationship with Captain Beefheart, and his scientist alter ego “Dr. Zircon”. Nigey Lennon (1954 – 2016) had a personal and professional relationship with…

Nigey Lennon (1954 – 2016) had a personal and professional relationship with Frank Zappa. She contributed to a couple of concerts in 1971 and she also wrote a book on Zappa, called “Being Frank”. Nigey and Bob Dobbs explore the…

Nigey Lennon (1954 – 2016) had a personal and professional relationship with Frank Zappa. She contributed to a couple of concerts in 1971 and she also wrote a book on Zappa, called “Being Frank”. The discussion covers aspects of Frank…

Calvin Schenkel recounts his relationship with Frank Zappa, covering their independent project collaborations, Zappa’s ad agency (Nifty, Tough and Bitchin’) and the origin of the Burnt Weenie Sandwich. He describes the challenges in defining a professional relationship with Frank, and…

Bob continues his talk with artist Cal Schenkel about his experiences with Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart. They discuss Cal’s artistic collaboration, the contributions of Schenkel and Beefheart, their influence on Zappa’s work, and the challenges of recognition in the…

Calvin Schenkel began working for Frank Zappa in 1967, immediately becoming his entire art department. He produced iconic album cover images, including in addition to Zappa, covers for Tom Waits, Tim Buckley and Three Dog Night. His design for Captain…

Ike Willis and Bob Dobbs discuss Frank Zappa’s unrealized mega-masterpiece “Dio Fa”, illustrating his massive creative vision. Planned as a live, global multimedia opera, “Dio Fa” is emblematic of Zappa’s artistic innovation and versatility, aiming to redefine the boundaries of…