Frank Zappa links Frank Zappa was one of the most accomplished composers of the rock era. His music combines an understanding of and appreciation for such contemporary classical figures as Stravinsky and Varese with an affection for late-'50s doo wop rock & roll and a facility for the guitar-heavy rock that dominated pop in the '70s. Zappa was also a satirist and perhaps the most prolific record-maker of his time, turning out massive amounts of music on his Barking Pumpkin label. He died in December of 1993. Click on the thumbnail to the right to see Frank Zappa's handprints in cement. Click on the thumbnail to the right to see photos of Frank Zappa.