The Idol of his Youth

Andre, , , , ,

Edgard Varese-Complete Works of, vol 1The 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 One”). 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.

Look Record GuideTo 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]

Duke of the Disc DealersAlthough 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

How Does Goody's Do ItGreg 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.

References:
[1] Frank Zappa, “Edgard Varèse: Idol of my Youth,” Stereo Review 26, no. 6 (June 1971): 62. (Text here.)
[2] David Reitman, “I Dreamed I Interviewed Frank Zappa In My Maidenform Bra,” Rock Magazine 2.13 (January 25, 1971): 31. (Text here.)
[3] John Diliberto and Kimberley Haas, “Frank Zappa on Edgar Varese,” Down Beat 48, no. 11 (November 1981): 22. (Text here.)
[4] Joseph Roddy, “Look Record Guide,” Look Magazine 14 (November 7, 1950): 111.
[5] Richard Thruelsen, “Duke of the Disc Dealers,” The Saturday Evening Post 229 (October 27, 1956): 124. (PDF here.)
[6] “How Does Goody’s Do It?,” Good Housekeeping 143 (September 1956): 56. (PDF here.)
[7] Greg Russo, Cosmik Debris: The Collected History and Improvisations of Frank Zappa (Floral Park, NY: Crossfire Publications, 1999), 9.
The Idol of his Youth

46,641 thoughts on “The Idol of his Youth”

  7. lululemon athletica bags lululemon duffle bag

    gold lion earrings with diamante drop new in pave tiny hoop earrings kris nations 18 karat carat diamond eternity bangle bracelet for sale new men women tommy hilfiger th large duffle bag gym travel handbag purse navy r personalised gift for mum person…

  9. 銈儭銉偒 闈?銈点偆銈?瀛愪緵

    銈搞儷銈广儊銉ャ偄銉笺儓銆€銉囥儨銉┿儸銉笺偣銉夈儸銈广€€銉栥儷銉?l 銉兂銈般儔銉偣 婕斿浼?銉兂銈裤儷 鍚勭ó銈点兗銉撱偣 銇晢鍝佷竴瑕?閫氳博 coral veil cruise 銉兗銉曘儣銉兂銉堛儜銉偑 vans old skool black 銉愩兂銈?銈兗銉儔銈广偗銉笺儷 usa浼佺敾 鏍冩湪銉偠銉间娇鐢?銉偠銉艰病甯?銉偠銉笺偣銉堛兗銉?type2 闈╁伐鎴縪hana 銉偠銉笺儻銉笺偗銈归€氳博 amazon ray ban 銈点兂銈般儵銈?0rb2132…

  10. peltonshhc

    adidas ultra boost og m zapatos de futbol de cr7 2018 the north face hedgehog fastpack gtx w air force celtics ciabatte biomodex white dodgers hat

  13. magasin chaussure pas cher paris

    pull è„¿ capuche pas cher mocassin bateau timberland sweat capuche sport homme iphone 6 noir coque patere bois enfant manteau femme noir capuche fourrure sac a ficelle nike deguisement bucheron halloween

  14. lucagerini

    jordan 5 fire rot grau nike shox vince carter sko pandora daisy earrings uk menu new balance 926 mens black nike kobe 9 low silber wei脽 ralph lauren long sleeve polo snowy blanco in mujeres

  15. vkc pride chappals

    adidas aq1119 adidas nite jogger cg7088 2020 pureboost ltd new air max Turnschuhe 2020 kanye Turnschuhe red tape flip flops flexweave speed tr venom football boots

  20. waldlaufer instappers bruin 640004

    kit epi seguran莽a capacete protetor auricular oculos wurthtanga em tule com biju strass sensual fio dental string sexyoculos evolution incolor carbografite ca 18697 anti emba莽antemoda fitness da rambla em liquida莽茫o bazar pop

  22. Damen rose gold birkenstocks

    nike m2k snipes Damen fila ray tracer athletic shoe skechers Damen slip on memory foam jordan 4 retro toddler nike air force 1 mid just do it wei脽e schwarz orange Damen schwarz work trousers with pockets 2020 1t406 orange cycling vest

  23. degreeshq

    bardot cut out dress mens black gazelles sale eastpak rucksack 30l vestidos negros largos para fiesta nike denim blazers ray ban sonnenbrille classic

  24. balenciaga city bag in navy suede

    銈︺偍銉囥偅銉炽偘銉夈儸銈?銉儨銉炽儓銉兗銉?銉曘儶銉炪偄銉椼儶 銉┿偗銉?/a>銉戙兗銉嗐偅銉笺儔銉偣 绲愬寮?銉兂銉斻兗銈广€€琚栥亗銈娿€€鍒虹箥銆€銈般儸銉?鑶濅笅涓?/a>銇撱倢锛戙仱銇с亰鑲屻仐銇ｃ仺銈娿亞銈嬨亰銇?銈兗銉偆銉炽儻銉炽偛銉伄銇娿仚銇欍倎銉儑銈ｃ兗銈癸紥鐐广偡銉曘偐銉炽儠銉偄瑁俱儓銉冦儣銈?銈儹銉冦儣銉夈偓銈︺儊銉?/a>

  25. kmogradio

    vestido para comida informal stan smith leopard print ray ban ronde solaire adidas superstar rozmiar 22 vera mont kleider neue kollektion dodger hats for sale

  26. jbl wireless headphone white fejhallgatè´¸

    steckel mens flat christian louboutin replica nicholas kirkwood flat shoes womens beya metallic textured leather point toe flats silver madewell shoes madewell boardwalk multi strap sandals merrell womens avian light vent ii shoes find the best savings…

  28. silicone bum pants

    devon jones womens wrinkle resistant blend long sleeve button down shirt versace versace versus lion head studded t shirt white clothing from circle fashion uk bright yellow nike shirt. no flaws. worn maybe two times at depop shaheed bhagat singh t shi…

  31. adidas galaxy backpack

    reebok gl 5600 hombre amarillo nike school backpacks blue handbag crossbody long strap reebok freestyle hi womens gold asics gel lyte 3 zapatillas scarpe da calcio adidas nuove brooks it zaino vans galassia

  32. protowbend

    femmes asics gel quantum 360 gris bleu topshop gelbes blumen kleid reebok cl cuero suede nylon marrè´¸n blanco nike free 3.0 orange græ°“ jack parajumpers veste femme 2017 canada goose hybridge lite black red

  38. meine gesundheit im ganzen

    infants and toddlers cold buster snowsuit winter is richie house baby boys black badge embroidery padded sport jacket 12m my auntie uncle is my favourite baby grows 0 3 month baby boy clothes baby 12 18 months baby dragon outfit party costume by travis…

  39. victorias secret pink zip up hooded hoodie sweatshirt xs neon green dog logo vs ebay

    蟽蔚蟿 蟿蟻伪蟺蔚味伪蟻喂伪蟽 5tmx 伪蟺慰 蟺慰位y蟺蟻慰蟺蠀位蔚谓喂慰 蟽蔚 魏蠀蟺伪蟻喂蟽蟽喂 蠂蟻蠅渭伪hugo boss 伪谓未蟻喂魏维 伪胃位畏蟿喂魏维 蟻慰蠉蠂伪畏位蔚魏蟿蟻喂魏蔚蟽 蟽魏慰蠀蟺蔚蟽 蠂蠅蟻喂蟽 蟽伪魏慰蠀位伪 philips fc9555 09 蔚蠅蟽 12 未慰蟽蔚喂蟽纬蠀谓伪喂魏蔚委伪 渭蟺位慰蠉味伪 lacoste brandsgalaxy

  42. 80s neon yellow earrings

    0.40 carat princess cut halo diamond 18kt white gold ring setting 201 piece socket ratchet tools set metric mechanics drive sae repair stanley platinum cufflinks with onyx and a central diamond infinity mothers birthstone necklace family keepsake jewel…

  45. 鏂板搧 銈裤偘浠樸亶 puma闀疯 瑁忚捣姣?銉堛儸銉笺儕銉?size 140cm 銈儍銈?銉溿兗銈ゃ偤 銈点儍銈兗 銉曘儍銉堛儨銉笺儷 銉椼兗銉炪偢銉ｃ儜銉?銈儸銉炽偢

    carolinaherrera銉曘儵銉兗銈炽兗銉?銉夈儸銈广儸銉炽偪銉?銇儹銉炽儔銉炽偍銉囥偅銈枫儳銉?/a> 姝ｈ鍝?銉偆銉淬偅銉堛兂 銈广償銉笺儑銈?5 銉淬偅銉炽儐銉笺偢 銉曘儶銉炪偄銉椼儶 銉┿偗銉?amazon shanghai story 鑺辨焺鍗婅 銉炪兗銉°偆銉夈儔銉偣 銉┿儍銈枫儱銈兗銉?銈儍銈?鐢枫伄瀛?濂炽伄瀛?闀疯 瀛愪緵 銉┿儍銈枫儱銈兗銉?celine 銉┿偛銉笺偢 銉炪偆銈儹 銈般儸銉笺偢銉?銉曘儶銉炪偄銉椼儶 銉┿偗銉?/a> 銉栥儵銉炽儔銈儯…

  46. asics gt 1000 7 sp 1012a120 400 濂抽瀷 閬嬪嫊 鎱㈣窇 鍋ヨ蛋 浼戦枓 绶╄ 閫忔埃 浜炵憻澹?绫冮粦

    toolcraft opru啪ni prsten 8 mm din 膷elik za opruge 500nike zoom cage 3 clay tennis shoe cool grey laser orangekonzolni stol 83x30x73 cm hrastovina konzolni stoli膰ipribor za 膷i拧膰enje vileda cijene i recenzije stranica 4

  48. 鏃╂槬鍋撮倞閲戣敟閭婃绲茬胆瀵げ pants x.o.x.o

    闋嗛爢鍎伕锝漥ump 灏囬杸.绫冪悆闉?楂樼瓛闉?閬嬪嫊闉?姘ｅ闉?鐧?榛戣壊.鐢烽瀷.7036zimn铆 dovolen谩 na 拧umav臎 s polopenz铆tenisov媒 batoh lottod谩msk谩 kabelka nobo nbag multi violet nbag

  49. nike blazer men white

    chaussure homme dg soutien gorge ultra push coque jordan iphone discount chemises italiennes reebok navy coque transparente personnalis茅e bleu cerise bagage sac bandouli猫re homme jack and jones

  50. rocznika koszula nocna kobiet suknie bielizna nocna ksi niczka koszula nocna lato retro pi kne ubrania dla è´¸ ko

    regular sicily bag in leopard textured leather women saint laurent leather sandals houston above ground pool 6 armani white crystal pave dial two tone ladies watch wrangler retro crop flare jeans in 2019 vintage chanel 2.55 black lambskin double flap b…

Comments are closed.