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.
kyire 3
Exposure Korea football association decided to temporarily not change a lot, or the loss of their qualifying heats
nfl miami dolphins jersey
A person essentially assist to make severely posts I might state. postcheap nike nfl jerseysThat is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this actual submit incredible. Great job!
golden goose homme
la couleur de mourning.271entrance, en même temps que le principal entre par le nord, et taketheir endroits sur le tapis qui est placé crosswise.Nowadays, lorsque le hara-kiri est effectuée à l’intérieur du palais, un lieu de tem-poraire est fait sur…
packers jersey throwback
I been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area postwholesale nfl jerseys. Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I have an incredibly good un…
Dallas Cowboys Jay Novacek Jersey
For obtaining contextual links, you are able to prefer looking for permission from the websites getting huge traffic. This means the same article will be sold to anywhere from 10 people to 100 people – or even more.Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramir…
giants alternate jersey
I been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area post. Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I discovere…
Steve Francis Jersey
Find free articles in our dofollow article directory, get free website content and submit your own articles for free. This means that you should not have something on the main page of your site that is from years ago and no longer relevant. Quasi tutto…
broncos military jersey
Discover what’s the deal with ingbacks? According to Wikipedia, WP supports automatic pingbacks where all the links in a published article can be pinged when the article is published?we supply cheap nfl jerseys That explains why I get messages about n…
cheap cleveland browns jerseys
Discover what’s the deal with ingbacks? According to Wikipedia, WP supports automatic pingbacks where all the links in a published article can be pinged when the article is published?we supply cheap nfl jerseys That explains why I get messages about n…
nike elite seahawks jersey
I do agree with all of the ideas you have presented in your postcheap nfl jerseys. They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for newbies. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
camo eagles jersey
Discover what’s the deal with ingbacks? According to Wikipedia, WP supports automatic pingbacks where all the links in a published article can be pinged when the article is published?we supply cheap nfl jerseys That explains why I get messages about n…
Wholesale Soccer Jerseys Free Shipping
The layers of stitching needed to maintain the feathers in location, too as the delicacy from the supplies, make it tough to get a feather skirt to become cleaned at property. Author Resource:In the event you want additional info just comply with this…
new york jets alternate jersey
As a side note, the more we can use trackbacks, pingbacks, and backlinks to spread the love and our message, the better.we supply cheap nfl jerseys I encourage you to figure out how to use these tools as they can really make our words online much more…
Cheap NFL Jerseys From China
Getting a message printed on a balloon or helium balloon is not a straightforward thing to do and that檚 why it’s so important to find a really skilled and experienced balloon printing company.Even though there are many benefits of making this kin…
Cheap NFL Jerseys From China
In soccer an additional risk for concussions is heading the ball. It’s not a crisis, mind you. To avoid something like this from occurring you should work with your employees in order to keep everyone happy, including yourself. This means you are not…
panthers black jersey
I do agree with all of the ideas you have presented in your postwholesale nfl jerseys. They’re really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for starters. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the…
Cheap MLB Jerseys
“He didn’t run,” Mackanin said. It was just three games ago that everyone was buzzing about the production from the five rookies in the Mariners’ lineup during a highscoring series in Cleveland. In 2002 he was featured in The Times as 榦ne of the 25…
Wholesale Jerseys Cheap
It could be a variety of causes for this, so when you have trouble acquiring a task code, all you have to do is start looking for several other people. He added a pair of singles for his first fourhit game at the majorleague level. They just wanted to…
Thiago Motta Jersey UK
Insights On Very Important Things In Antivirus 2022Fechter Dockstader Submitted 20140618 05:41:50 For that reason, it is prompt that yourself basically set up insertons entirely towards the browser’s formal net, which incorporates demonstr…
Jose Villarreal Jersey
For more information visit Author Resource:Knickers and their history in the 1850s finally change to the women’s garment known as knickers, which were knee length underpants. When this skip is ugg australia bailey button triplet globular the curve, th…
texas texans jersey
I do agree with all the ideas you’ve presented in your postwholesale nfl jerseys. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very short for beginners. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
Wholesale NFL Jerseys From China
Voice Recording: Youll find allot of Audio players that have a voicerecording function. Anders | Posted in BusinessEntrepreneurs are commonly put in a position where decisions are required to be made that can be stressful and overwhelming. With the hig…
Andrew Gachkar Jersey
To start with, buy excellent items footwear by spots that are included with diverse alternatives. It generally composes the entire academic regalia because the gown itself could cover the whole body. Kraft, MDhttp:.In eight games last week, the twotime…
peterson vikings jersey
Discover what’s the deal with ingbacks? According to Wikipedia, WP supports automatic pingbacks where all the links in a published article can be pinged when the article is published?we supply cheap nfl jerseys That explains why I get messages about n…
cheap nfl nike jerseys wholesale
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that cheap nfl jerseys china I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all Il be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!postcheap jerseys.
Wholesale Jerseys From China
In order to reap the benefits of a successful accounting consulting business you must have predefined goals set in place.Your traumatic brain injury attorney can help you assess your potential TBI claim and help you get the compensation you deserve for…
birkin hermes
échappatoires. La question qui remainsis laquelle force gagne de l’autre, et si les forces anciennes are105capable de résister à la nouvelle. J’espère qu’ils sont; mais je reconnais que theyresist sous plus d’un lourd handicap. Le chef de ces dern…
Cheap Soccer Jerseys
Nov. And they’re also likely to point to Vernon Wells as the man who sparked the turnaround. I will highly advise it, this is a wonderful value!”.Terry Collins said he wants to “see a hump in the throws,” expressing frustration that Harvey still se…
Wholesale China Jerseys
At the end of the day, we are talking about a slippery slope with regard to so much of America’s and the globe’s appetite, greed, addiction and or depression. All independent and experienced, the movers will always strive to surpass expectstions.Even…
cheap nfl jerseys china authentic
Discover what’s the deal with ingbacks? According to Wikipedia, WP supports automatic pingbacks where all the links in a published article can be pinged when the article is published?we supply cheap nfl jerseys That explains why I get messages about n…
Augusto Fernandez Argentina Jersey
Therefore, never ever lose out a possibility to wear the graduation honor cord because they represent all the effort that one has executed throughout their undergraduate days. Stiletto boots are offered also in trendy plus exciting versions.Has our soc…
Cheap NFL Jerseys Sale
With that said, right here are a set of recommendations on the discovery and use of codes: Figure out whether or not you are heading to keep additional when utilizing a simple standard GoDaddy promo code (ie save ten% on your order) or separate bids fo…
Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys China
The number of service people diagnosed as obese has more than doubled since the 2003 invasion of Baghdad, Iraq. We will resort to our resolve and discipline and reap the rich rewards, all without ever needing to cheat. This is because you have to do mo…
nfl replica jerseys cheap
I think this is among the such a lot important info for me. And i am happy studying your article. But wanna statement on few normal things, The website style is perfect,postcheap jerseys the articles is in reality excellent D.Good job, cheers
authentic nfl jerseys cheap
Since I didn’t really understand how this works,we supply cheap nfl jerseys I did some searching and found an outstanding WordPress Trackback Tutorial that explains much of what I was finding confusing.
golden goose homme pas cher
centre pour afficher les dernières mechanicalinventions, et offrir des ateliers et des conférences pour les pauvres, sur le modèle de ses entreprises earlierphilanthropic à Munich. Mais sous l’influence de Cavendish et Bankswho obtenu une charte roya…
bag hermes
Je pense que peu seront disposés todispute l’équation de poimon Daonos = Etana, une liste de shepherd.Each préserve les heros paître origine et le correspondenceof les noms est très proche, Daonos transposant simplement la voyelle initiale ofEtana.2…
Chris Stewart Jersey
The actual Brief History of Modern Knickers Evolves More than Two CenturiesEnglemann Sawer Submitted 20140404 13:59:50 The brief history of modern knickers starts in the past due 18th century before the current form of knickers known as pan…
Ray Bourque Jersey
Women of all classes put on many levels of clothing or even clothing down to the floor in which covered the woman’s private location and kept all of them warm.5.Article From Article Directory DatabaseTopps Giving Will Ferrell His Own Baseball CardReal…
Duke Johnson Jersey UK
It may seem to generally be unusual although this style of boots under no circumstances appear to go out of fashion since females appear to put on these kind of boots one time in thethough to grant its look a new that means. On the other hand, posttens…
Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale
Tech has won four National Championships in football in the years 1917, 1928, 1952, and 1990. For example, youll get to purchase every. Now is the time to take your business to the next level. So, yes, he’ll play 140 games (a year) because one, he’s…
wholesale nfl nike jerseys
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy to cheap nfl jerseys china. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, postcheap nfl jerseysas well as the content!
replica hermes birkin
qui voyant ses propres fautes est Thefirst étape sera très abondamment compenser la mortification de presentdisappointment. Il est, d’ailleurs, cette circonstance apaisante. Everydiscovery il fait, chaque acquisition de connaissances qu’il atteint,…
Marcus Easley Jersey
Avoid the urge to feel the acne. We got to this exalted level in the organization by successfully solving problems, not passing them off to others. The initial thing that one needs to do is to prepare the various other garments that one is going to wea…
Stolmy Pimentel Jersey UK
They’re like incredibly very well liked for producing restful boots for females.” The pricey shoes start at around $595 and go up from there.These types of four essential benefits show the importance of getting a link building services comp…
Authentic Cordrea Tankersley Jersey
The new Greek government would like the world to consider it will cut civil servants’ jobs and salaries, mention tax toll and horde taxes owingand normally make itself creditworthy. These challenges may put you on a steep learning curve but it is…
Wholesale NFL Jerseys China Cheap
1 Virginia s potent offense. He has won multiple awards for his work, including the 2001 Emerald Outstanding Special Issue Award, the 2007 EMAC Conference award for best doctoral paper, and a 2010 UK CIM AM Research Excellence Award. There is hope! The…
Cheap Jerseys From China
As far as can be determined, the first reference to Tech students asYellowjacketsappeared in the Atlanta Constitution in 1905 and became common usage at that time. Most sportsrelated concussions come from contact sports, especially football, boxing, ho…
Mark Jackson Jersey UK
You have to go accurately when you are wearing these types of stiletto boots. Find free articles in our dofollow article directory, get free website content and submit your own articles for free.ajobi.Special varieties of ugg that you simply just have…
golden goose femme pas cher
mérites intrinsèques ou démérites de aconstitution. Ceux-ci ne peuvent être jugés de par les principes généraux des raisons andmaxims.Various ont été proposées, dans le cadre de ces documents, toinduce une probabilité que le gouvernement général sera…