The image to the right depicts the cover of the Complete Works of Edgard Varèse, Volume 1. According to Zappa, this was the first record he ever owned. (And one that changed everything for him!)
The story of how he came to discover the record was well-rehearsed. The following quotation is drawn from an article he wrote for Stereo Review:
I was about thirteen when I read an article in Look about Sam Goody’s Record Store in New York. My memory is not too clear on the details, but I recall it was praising the store’s exceptional record merchandising ability. One example of brilliant salesmanship described how, through some mysterious trickery, the store actually managed to sell an album called “Ionization†(the real name of the album was “The Complete Works of Edgard Varèse, Volume Oneâ€). The article described the record as a weird jumble of drums and other unpleasant sounds. I dashed off to my local record store and asked for it. Nobody ever heard of it. I told the guy in the store what it was like. He turned away, repulsed, and mumbled solemnly, “I probably wouldn’t stock it anyway … nobody here in San Diego would buy it.†I didn’t give up. I was so hot to get that record I couldn’t even believe it. [1]
A number of other sources provide a similar account. Though the details of the Look article frequently change with each retelling, Zappa is consistent in his description that the article was a feature on Samuel “Sam Goody†Gutowitz appearing in Look magazine and that it mentioned the Varèse album in negative terms to highlight Goody’s merchandising prowess. Consider the following quotation from a 1971 interview for Rock Magazine:
The thing that led me to Varèse’s music was an article in Look Magazine saying how great Sam Goody’s record store was. Sam Goody sells records so well that he can even sell a record called Ionizations – they even called the album wrong – it was The Complete Works of Edgar Varèse, Volume I. And they were telling how ugly this record sounded. It was just drums and sirens and nobody would want to own this record and Sam Goody was actually selling it [2]
Or Zappa’s response from an 1981 interview in Down Beat:
How did you first find out about Edgar Varèse?
That’s a very simple story. I read an article in Look magazine in the early ’50s which was a feature saying what a great guy Sam Goody was because he was such an exciting merchandiser and he could sell anything, he could sell any kind of record. And to give an example of what a great merchandiser he was, it said that he was even able to sell an album called “Ionisation” which had a bunch of drums banging, and it described the album in very negative terms. When I read that, I thought it sounded exactly like the kind of album that I wanted to hear because I had been playing drums since I was 12. So I went looking for the album and I finally found it after a couple of months’ search, and I took it home, put it on, and I loved it as soon as I heard it. [3]
These descriptions would all be fine, except no article matching this description ever ran in Look magazine. Several Zappa scholars have suggested the likely possibility that Zappa is conflating memories of several articles. None of them offers any suggestions as to particular articles, so I’d like to point to some potential candidates I’ve found.
To begin with, the November 7, 1950 issue of Look does include a brief (and surprisingly positive) review of the record, but makes no mention of Gutowitz:
The good-things-from-obscure-places department has come up with the following finds. From EMS, the first album of a series which proposes to record the complete works of the fantastically individualistic composer Edgard Varèse. Density 21.5, Integrales, Octandre and Ionisation—a dreamy little episode for 35 percussion instruments and absolutely nothing else—are the titles. Varèse is unlike anything else in music, and well worth knowing. The recording is excellent… [4]
Although the album is reviewed favorably here, the description of the percussion does line up with Zappa’s memory.
Another possible source comes from a feature in The Saturday Evening Post: “Duke of the Disc Dealers.” (The image to the right links to a PDF of the article.)
One Goody customer is a rare and notable exception to this buyer pattern. An old lady in her seventies, she depends on Levin [the store manager] to set aside all records with fortissimo percussion passages. ‘She loves drums, gongs, cymbals and anything that makes a loud banging noise. She has excellent hearing and is not interested in volume, as such. She just gets a particular thrill out of everything which is savage and primitive.’ [5]
This article, however, makes no mention of Varèse
Greg Russo has pointed out that the February 13, 1952 issue of People Today mentions Goody’s skills as a record salesman. [7] The article makes no mention of Varèse, but Russo suggests the possibility that Zappa first read about the record in a Sam Goody catalog. Along these lines, an article from Good Housekeeping (click the image for another PDF) confirms Goody’s merchandising techniques:
Goody believes in aggressive advertising. He floods schools, colleges, libraries, and embassies throughout the world with direct-mail-order advertising. [6]
It seems possible that Zappa may have come across one of the catalogs distributed in this manner. (I’ve sent several emails to Goody’s son in the hope that he might have some of the catalogs, but lost contact with him over a year ago.)
I can’t even begin to tell you how sweet it would have been if I had found an article matching Zappa’s description! (Even if it wasn’t in Look magazine.) Unfortunately, it seems that for now at least the mystery remains.
big womens nikes trainers
adidas zx 750 adidas zx 750 womensnike blazer lownike blazer low nike blazer low womensnike blazer low nike blazer low mens
nike free rn 2018 terra cotta
original adidas nmd city sock r1 prinmeknit ba8629 corewhite unisex sneakers adidas ultra boost uncaged m by2548nike kobe venomenon 5 kobe venom 5 basketball shoes male 815757 853939adidas eqt cushion adv by9507 men black free shipping
salomon mens aztek vent lace up breathable outdoor walking trekking hiking shoes
mens supra skytop off whitesupra blacksupra shoes skytopsalesize 8 new balance m670bb5 running joggingnike magistax proximo ii indoor black gum light brownadidas originals i 5923 shoes core blackgrey threeftwr white
ahlyons
julio jones color rush jersey burberry purple plaid tie fendi mini peekaboo bag prada green nylon bag nike air flight 89 black white red prada black bag with red lining
neffloot
nike hyperdunk 2016 low womens gold green pink mens air jordan 2017 lebron 13 hvid and guld jordans nike roshe all black one mens nike free flyknit 3.0 mens silver red hat for disney world
0fn25hbu
air jordan aero flight or rose nike hyperdunk 2015 low himmelen blæ°“ ré…¶d nike huarache khaki mennns rosa nike shox deliver herren rot queen asics gel quantum 360 mennns græ°“ manual nike tiempo legend gré…¶n zone
odd future ofwgkta earl face stitched embroidered wolf
snake baseball cap fashion snapback hats caps menwomen brand sports adjustable hip hop flat sun hat mens casual caps custom baseball hats army hatsjordan men unisex jumpman elephant print ingot pro hat black black goldvoglee unisex women mens hip hop h…
mensgsonitsuka tiger lawnship 2.0 whitewhite
oro naranja vans palm leafamarillo voltio converse chuck taylor all star low topbarato nike air max lbazul adidas x 16.3 fg 2017
converse shorts womens
2016 new balance ml574cpe black orange white men running shoespuma vikky platform ribbon bold womens black gum suede trainers 7 uk21 100 converse all star 100 color hi 1ck955buy new balance wl574esp wl574esp
twiggyallure
ladies cincinnati reds hat hours oakley frogskins sunglasses uk only nike cortez size 10 nike air max og reflective nike zoom vomero mens silver yellow adidas superstar 2 light blau
puma evospeed 4.4 tt yellow blue
puma mens faas grip golf shoe black vibrant orange shoespuma x rihanna suede fenty creepers green bordeaux gum women apos smaroon and gold pumas fire up chips for surepuma basket platform metallic womens sneakers city streets shoes
timberland earthkeepers newmarketin cupsole wheat boots mens shoes brown
the north face mens kilowatt thermoballjacket climbing ivy green north face insulated thehot new modal winter men sleep pijamas sleep tops mens clothingnike w nsw signal t shirt logosleeping woman feet under blanket feet sleeping woman under blankether
amazing wholesale green bay hot packers new era nfl 2017 throwback on field 9fifty snapback cap hat
up to 50 off nba boston celtics ne snapback hat 1744nfl philadelphia eagles logo stitched knit beanies 005 100 high qualitystate property snapback hat 1731wholesale womens green bay packers clay matthews majestic green fair catch v name and number long…
nfl raiders gear fanzz
wholesale mens boston red sox new era white navy 2018 mlb all star game on field 59fifty fitted hatmlb new york yankees snapback hat nu21wholesale kenzo snapback hat 1720wholesale mens buffalo bills new era royal 39thirty flex team classic hat
nike barcelona
manchester united blue away kitasics ladies running shoesdevin booker jersey whitespain wc jersey
mens pittsburgh pirates new era white core 49forty fitted hat
buy jordan fashion stitched new era 9fifty snapback hats 013 at online store the best discount pricemens milwaukee brewers new era navy red fully flagged 9fifty adjustable hatyouth green bay packers new era navy 2016 sideline classic 59fifty fitted hat…
stephen curry jacket for kids
lebron james black jersey nike teamlastore jerseylebron james black jersey nike teamlastore jerseyingram saints jerseyliverpool jersey china
farenyuk
flyknit lunar 2 femminile nero rims nike air max 2015 naranja and amarillo xanax adidas prougeator bleu and blanc nike air max 90 azul mesh air max 1 varsity blu zone nike cortez quilted for verkauf michigan
party hats cool etsy
lamba worker capnew orleans saints new era nfl sideline bobble knitjordan kawhi leonard hatred floral bucket hats
adidas laceless football shoes price pinterest.com
womens top messenger bagsnike zip upsturdy shopping bagsba8638
southview sweater by belstaff boyds philadelphia
kendall ruched jumpsuit whitebape womens cardiganwomens nike air max bw ultra nike black sneakers 1gt40fadidas tracksuitsadidas pantsnotice how size hoodie is written a circle above u.s.a very common for old pieces
nike air zoom pegasus 33 mens running shoes black white us 8.5 black
chatswood chase is the most ping centre for chinese travellersclassic nike football bootsfashion sneakers puma mens future cat superlt ferrari fashion sneaker black ages silverclassic nike football boots
la dodgers starter jacket fanzz
7 star mlb atlanta braves blue capsmens los angeles kings 47 brand gray taylor closer flex haton nfl kansas city chiefs m n strapback hat id5003nfl tampa bay buccaneers snapback mitchell ness shark hat
cayler and sons snapback hat 1716
get new nfl new york giants 21 landon collins snapback adjtable stitched player hat blue white brand designermens texas rangers nike royal cooperstown collection heritage 86 adjustable hatdiscount mens kansas city royals 35 eric hosmer stitched new era…
knitted slouch beanie large beanies men women hat skullcap lined winter cap forbusite
uzzy lined pom pom beanie more colors sisters closetipl list orange cap winnerslos angeles dodgers pom knit new era beaniegeorgia peach state usa camouflage camo snapback flat bill hat cap green ga
self confidence salomon blue shoes dark xt wings 3 cloud light onix methyl
new balance 574 tassie devilpuma gray sneakerscheap football jerseysgrey sf giants hat
ccm tacks 2092 skates prohockeylife
bojan bogdanovic jacketwomens pumps on sale fivesoncleaningswingman lebront shirt printing online cheap
womens montreal canadiens touch by alyssa milano navy red fair catch tank top top
cheap nba oklahoma city thunder mn strapback hat 1704wholesale mens los angeles dodgers new era heathered gray royal clubhouse 39thirty flex hatsale nfl oakland raiders ne snapback hat 17467 star polo white snapback cap 3 hats id 5228
womens snow boot nylon tall winter snow waterproof fur lined warm rain boot 3 9 ebay
prada shoes for women designer sneakers 2018 new products 442069 44gkwfk1giuseppe zanotti london chain mirror leather sneakersgreen saucony type a6 running lightweight mens running shoes cushioned neutral road racing shoe cheapestysl yves saint laurent…
date converse x neighborhood one star chuck taylor all star 1970s motorcycle will be releasing storeshaven toronto haven
womens 50 bmg bottle openerreal fake unauthorized air jordan 1 reverse shattered backboard awaywomens nike air max sequent womens blackwomens supra skytop on feet
puma scuderia ferrari sweat pants
vans ward mens suede skate shoespuma king indoor football boots mens blk wht gldadult high ankle soccer shoes men football superfly cleats boots goldnike air jordan executive low oreo
womens jordan cement 3 for sale
osu slider hat clipbaltimore ravens nfl super bowl xlvii onfield blackgreen gecko puma varial bucket lime hat cap floppy sun protection beach pool fishing funbaby boy knit hat hat imageimage cute newborn 20081131
womens new england patriots new era navy 2018 nfl sideline cold weather official knit hat
cavs 2016 champions shirts maroonnba cleveland jersey maroonnike hypervenom phantom iii pro df fgvintage nba clothing online
natori shangri la robe bed red womens robe
cotton baby bathrobe infant beach towels xv2 sophine14sass bide london week runway shots 2010kids rust fox towelling robetis season sparkle shirt merry xmas night tee womens fitted t shirt
red wine bodysuit low cut laced up body suit an open v neck front back selling too big me
karen neuburger womens plus mom minky fleece long sleeve collared plaid holiday pj set mom red plaiddress white top white dress white lace dress babydoll dressulla popken womens plus 2 way full zip terry cloth bathrobe light bluekarl marc john long sle…
womens where to buy nike stefan janoski
true religion jean jacket twitter.commens long t shirts uk twitter.comvans era 59 pewter italian weavetomatoes for sale twitter.com
2015 mercedes benz sls amg gt final edition
new men nike special field sf air force 1 mid brownnike lunar force 1 duckboot ibexnew men nike special field sf air force 1 mid brownnike blazer premium vintage 芒white black芒 star pack
saint laurent. mens black wyatt 40 glitter boots
diesel boots for mendaisy street women the new velvet boot 571 boots light pinkgiuseppe zanotti design bridget mules mekong women shoes giuseppe zanotti sneakers sale retail priceswomens hiking boots size 4
in 1902 area shreveport louisiana known as west end was a bustling neighborhood working class families and businesses
prodirect basketball basketball replica hoodies nike nbanike nikelab x gyakusou flex running short women clothingnike shoes for cheapthe north face kids denali jacket little big tnf black mens clothing coats outerwearthe north face jesterthe north face…
pepsico ceo profile
air jordan retro xiv 14 last shot official jordan brand imagesasics gel 30th anniversary pack gel lyte iiiwomens nike metcon 3 mens salewomens free jordans online
siam crossbody in black
adidas mission backpack black neo white one sizezara khaki one shoulder dress saint laurent ysl blogger bag adidasluxury leather looking shockproof phone caseluxury leather looking shockproof phone case
carolina panthers jet black cobalt blue 2tone reebok snapback snapback new era hats new collection recognized brands
womens ray ban wayfarer brownnike kevin durant 8 em men sneakers 800259 003womens see kai run toddler boy shoesmens nike sb check solarsoft canvas black 843896 002
commande university m茅tallique or rouge nike zoom kobe icon
nike zoom hyperrev kyrie irving cleveland cavaliers light crimson university goldthe north face trevail hooded lightweight down jacket innike zoom kobe icon jacquard metallic gold black white on feetstylish red summer maxi dress off shoulder long sleev…
air jordan xx3 23 low white midnight navy silver
wholesale trade nike zoom kobe 7 poison dart frog sneakers in ss0tgykc100 true air jordan 19 silver anniversary collection neutral grey metallic silvernike air kobe bryant xi green black white mens basketball shoescheap jordan xx8 se for sale more info…
adidas ace 17.3 ag by2296
jordan why not zero.1 city of flight all starnike kyrie 3 tb cookies cream white black 917724 100kixters shoes twitter.comoff white red and blue hoodie twitter.com
where can i buy nba jersey kingdom
duncan retirement jersey co.ukoff the shoulder dress with sleeves white asoschris davis jersey oriolesbauer re akt 100
wholesale mens philadelphia phillies 47 red dead ringer uncuffed knit beanie with pom
nfl beanie nu029fast shipping returns nfl san francisco 49ers ne snapback hat 1766wholesale mens toronto blue jays new era royal sport cuffed knit hat with pom7 star wholesale mlb all star patch black caps
little black v neck short dress 63 dk245 sheprom.com
chi chi london premium lace midi prom dress chi chi london navy skater dress classic sriches sandali con tacco black zalando.itgood night quotes good night wishes good night sms messageyoung girls modeling new old navy boyfriend jean which
mens miami dolphins nfl pro line by fanatics branded black tonal trucker adjustable hat
mens los angeles dodgers new era royal fan retro low profile 59fifty fitted hatpittsburgh steelers nfl three deep 9fifty cap in black yellownba los angeles lakers m n snapback hat nu022017 plants vs zombies snapback hat 1702
2015 unisex round frame shape prodesign 8637 5026 sunglasses in brushed medium brown fr68007241
new jordan melo m13 wolf grey where to buycheap nike hyperrev 2017 all star red mens outlet wfzgnxksize 7 nike hyperchase705363700previousair jordan shoes jordan fly 89 poshmark