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.
Cheap Jerseys From China
For instance, you might not be able to deal with not going out to eat supper from the for very long.Now the Betfair prices will be more generous than all the bookmakers’ prices, but you want to find prices that are significantly higher than these pric…
Wholesale Jerseys China
People in Boston don’t even do that. To me it just seemedalmost incomprehensible that people could make consistent profits day after day, week after week, even with the added convenience of online bookmakers. With this, they can decrease the waste tha…
Cheap Jerseys Wholesale
The work done by such a professional is very important and should be handled with expertise and care. People in Boston don’t even do that. Previously, it turned out mainly individuals with specific interests, including hiking, which are interested in…
Javi Martinez Bayern Munich Jersey UK
Jimmys imagining what it would be like to have five bottles on his fingers instead of whether or not hell make the winning play. Therefore, if you do not have enough money for these yet, you can just bide your time until you do have enough and can then…
Joe Montana Jersey
No mas. Inevitably, poor gamers send all their units to shield this expansion, as though they were expecting all my units attacking this specific development.Another problem arising that tells you something has happened is the differences in room condi…
Gale Sayers Jersey
. You should set it up and handle it as this kind of. If you want to possess a your ownrestaurant then you’ve to keep a lot of things in mind just like you must have investment so you can have got basic things for your restaurant like chairs, sitting…
Tennessee Titans Jersey UK
Check using the nearby zoning commission to be sure you won’t violate zoning regulations in order to avoid fines and getting forced to move your business. Obviously, your salon business could never survive the stiff competition that way. It features a…
Wholesale Football Jerseys China
Although new equipment may be expensive to acquire, they will prove to be cost effective in the long run.For those who are familiar with this work, they should know that the process is quite difficult. Tennis will give you that opportunity to mingle an…
Wholesale Jerseys
What you ought to know about UV gels, nail gels and also permanent nails?Banducci Staelens Submitted 2014-03-25 13:32:33 Most women want to wear permanent nails as it gives a gorgeous and shimmering look in which catches face. Follow this m…
Cheap NFL Jereys China
Next buff your nails and remove just about all oils from the nails. This prompted the Senate Bill 7 of January 1st 2002 to be passed and tackled the Texas deregulation electricity. So in this position you will do a side bend toward one leg, hang there,…
Cheap Jerseys USA
To begin with, it’s the most ideal materials to keep your feet warm, plus with the ability to keep them cool when the weather is hot.” Thomas has seen an amazing array of talented players and quirky characters compete in SCGA events. LaVar Arrington…
Mike Grella Jersey
In the direction of fixed up and brace ourselves from opportunity failures, we ought to now contain a thing to consider of phrases for stability mishaps that might almost certainly wipe out the procedure. It is a good thing in terms of relationship bui…
Presnel Kimpembe Jersey
Landlords are given access so they can carefully select who they accept as tenants. Any breakdown must be addressed with speed.com– Related articlesmay be found at Our team delivers on time and on budget with a professional, courteous demeanor.
Don Barclay Jersey
They’ll wait for people to start signing up for their opportunity. (You wont find this in any teachers textbook. These things are springing up wherever there is a gas station or trailer park now, which is almost everywhere. They’re have an extre…
siege hermes pantin
sont en mesure de conductour festivals sur une échelle encore plus grande que jusqu’à présent, pour restaurer ourtemples, pour reconstruire nos forts et les quais, et de réintégrer dans leurs ancientprivileges nos prêtres, nos sénateurs, nos magistra…
Wholesale NFL Jerseys Online
However, they should not simply throw out their old carpets. One can open up a sports shop selling tennis gear and equipment. That said, being able to hit a tennis ball well at times certainly gives me a sense of satisfaction and raises my self-belief…
Cheap Jerseys Online
This is more expensive compared to buying new carpets. All I can do is get ready to play this year and try to produce.You are very welcome to visit the Foreclosure Listings Free website, where you can see a comparison of the top foreclosure listing ser…
Devin Taylor Jersey
Restaurants we have to eat at, hotels we have to stay in, things we have to do. Chantilly, north of Paris, is a parkland course with thick rough and tricky greens.comArticle Source: .We don’t always think strategically. People are the major facto…
Chase Headley Jersey
They both of those involve constructedwithin just guard in the direction of include your computer system against the higher thandescribed predicament, which will guidance preserve your laptop virusno cost. Nevertheless, yourself comprise in the directi…
Gordon Hayward Jersey
Dickey lost his fourth game of the season on Sunday afternoon against the New York Yankees. While the Overlord is constructing, utilize the extractor cheat to get 11 10 Drones. Once you begin playing restaurant games then you would realize it that you…
Ryan Callahan USA Jersey
– One student said, Walking into class, I found myself thinking… I wonder what kind of kind of ridiculous joke he has today? In this case, I was thrilled to hear that their attention was already focused on anticipating my actions before the…
Cheap MLB Jerseys Wholesale
It is reliable to listed to the information the organization gives. Duckett appears poised to become a fantastic asset for the Lions this year. It can be quite lucrative and fun at the same time. This is more expensive compared to buying new carpets.Ag…
Cheap NFL Jerseys
Fortunately, the Eagles ought to have their star QB back for the start of this season.39 to back and 1. You could start and run a tennis club with membership fees. Apply paint primer in your dry and clean hands. The development of the nails means the r…
Mike Miller Jersey UK
There are a lot of variables which can gradual down and mess with your course of action. At the extremes it will lead to total sales avoidance of anything to do with sales or anything that risks damaging the relationship between the sales person and th…
Tony Allen Jersey
– One student said, Walking into class, I found myself thinking… I wonder what kind of kind of ridiculous joke he has today? In this case, I was thrilled to hear that their attention was already focused on anticipating my actions before the…
Houston Astros Hoodie UK
She simply cannot believe her good fortune. WormsWorms normally arrive with e mail attachments. There is a separate fee for getting your fingerprint scanned and for requesting the records.A. Even top sales people can fall into this trap.
Wholesale Jerseys
Her words not only encouraged me, but she somehow, in a positive way, made me feel as though I’d be lacking as a parent if I DIDN’T sign my daughter up. This last tip is my favorite.Buy a coffee or meal at the drivethru for the person behind you. The…
Wholesale NFL Jerseys Free Shipping
Show them respect and consideration, and they will be happy to give you their business.. Are you also opting for making contracts. Walk around the outside of you building and see if you have advertising space that is going to waist. Often they meet on…
Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale
C. So how much money can it really be produced in this business opportunity? Can my fun life compensation plan be as attractive as everyone else says it is? Their pay plan is without a doubt one of the kind so i most certainly will have to agree with w…
Chris Archer Jersey
Thus, you need to ensure your system has sufficient dimension and capabilities to download or play the motion picture.Minimally invasive surgery involves a one or two incision technique where the length of the incisions are half those that are commonly…
Wholesale Jerseys
I have noticed a lot of people not generating any money in this business opportunity, but naturally is practically nothing to stress about due to the fact that there’s a number of other businesses exactly where the same thing is taking place. In…
Cheap Jerseys Online
In with the ability to deliver the location into the interest of the serps the chance of your website currently being prominently positioned within the search engine web site is unquestionably far better and a lot quicker. This is often done before the…
Cheap NFL Jerseys China
Reading business articles in general can also be very helpful. He is also a major shareholder in 21st Century Media, a Publicly Unlisted Company that owns assets including 21st Century News.. It takes time and patience to start getting the hang of thin…
Wholesale MLB Jerseys Online
). But your website is not that wellknown, so its position is not in the leading positions in other words it comes in the 2nd page from the web lookup. I attempted all of the funny methods for instance attempting to drive into an additional path, perfo…
Jose Altuve Jersey
To start with, the in general reputation of Linux involving property consumers wasn’t rather higher. By yourself could in all probability way too motivation towards choose into attention what else your alternative of software program software program…
Shaquill Griffin Women’s Jersey
The Sun Laboratories Body Polisher Machine is available now.The herpes virus, for the most part, will lie dormant in your nerve ganglia (the nerve roots) below the skin. 4 inside 10 on the net Us residents already employ IM persistently (Pew World wide…
Mark Stone Jersey UK
When first infected, these symptoms may not appear for 15 to 20 days – or not at all. This timepiece is this : seriously a multi operate dude’s confirm It encompasses a multi function Chronometer chronograph places all in excess of the 18 carat rose c…
Kris Draper Detroit Red Wings Jersey
For more information go to Psychology Degree Online and also Breyer State University.306 with 75 RBIs at the All-Star break, but his home runs are down. Your self could will need toward comprehend how towards terminate and uninstall COMODO FIREWALL Pro…
Paul Pogba Jersey
In India, costs range around $9,000-$10,000.5.But, with a little research and testing, there is simply no reason for you to suffer from cold sores again.As we have seen, cold sores are facial sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. As the name sugges…
Cheap Jerseys China
If you find that you are expecting a certain result every time you will find yourself getting more and more frustrated. As a businessman, taking actions is undoubtedly an important matter. Get the word out about your web marketing business easily and a…
Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping
If you use public transportation you might feel a little strange repeating the words out loud but listening is still a good use of this wasted time. Regardless of whether it is a family members residence, a rental home or vacation home, selling real es…
Wholesale MLB Jerseys From China
Also, it will make the bathroom look a lot more attractive. Interview potential applicants who can probably provide the best customer service to everyone. It doesn’t matter what you’re trying to learn, time on task is the only way to train…
Cheap Jerseys China
Visit my blog to learn more about learning a new language. This shows customers you care and it effectively creates relationships for future sales. They would method your site and can obtain or perhaps prepare a listing of keywords. I watched my daught…
Cheap NBA Jerseys
Journey into discovery of Self by reading this FREE report; The 3 Simple Immutable Laws of the Universe at: This aspect of your business should be a major focus when reviewing what has to be done or changed in your business. If you find that you are ex…
cheap air max 95
This device is wonderful for new and old photographers in the planet.”In the rare session, Henry acknowledged that the team’s play has been “terrible . The tax compose off of may be fairly huge!Seek out thoughts about your enterprise, products and o…
ray ban sunglasses cheap
Take time to shop around and ask plenty of questions to the different day care centers that you are interested in.”Kershaw has not pitched for the team since June 26 because of a herniated disk in his lower back. As you are looking through different d…
pandora essence bracelet
Yedlin made just one substitute appearance for Tottenham following his move from Seattle. The image digesting feature lets you select a proper device.He applied for reinstatement in September 1997 and met with commissioner Bud Selig in November 2002, b…
Wholesale Cheap Jerseys
http://www.cheapwholesalenflfootballjerseys.com/Cheap NFL Jerseys China
Jayson Tatum College Jersey
A more relaxed grip will give you a faster club head speed on impact and you can look forward to enjoying those awesome long drives. In order for a person to achieve this, it essential to carefully consider hiring a professional builder. This specific…
Cheap Jerseys China
This keeps open the chance to sell slow moving items while sellers can focus their primary sales efforts on Ebay. When you take the use of this product, you can enjoy a lot more applications. Fix your Xbox 360 yourself easy and simple, not to mention m…