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Frankie & Bobby: Growing Up Zappa
“Frankie & Growing Up Zappa,” is poignant and insightful perspective on the life of one of the twentieth century’s most provocative and intriguing musicians. Written by Frank Zappa’s younger brother, Bobby, this new “coming of age” memoir provides readers with never before told stories about events that helped shape Frank’s political, social, intellectual and creative development. The book begins with the brother’s time in Maryland from the late 1940’s until the summer of 1967 in New York City before Frank and the Mothers went on their first of many European tours. This fascinating account describes how the two brothers lived through, and handled, a series of events ranging from amusing to life threatening. It is a must-read for anybody interested in Frank’s amazing life that only his closest confidant and brother, Bobby, can tell.
- GenresMusic
356 pages, Paperback
Published August 17, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 4, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book which is very revealing about Frank's relationship with his father. It is odd that despite the constant conflict between them, Frank, in later life, behaved in many similar ways (though without the conflict with his children) - the isolationism and need to have strict control over everyone who worked for him and lived with him. I also liked details about Frank's first wife, Kay, and some indication to why they broke up. Very revealing was Frank's desire, during the divorce proceedings to bring Kay with him to Bobby's wedding. It indicates that Frank suffered emotionally over the breakup and perhaps explained his insistence (to me at any rate) that 'romantic love makes a fool of you,' and his refusal to write any songs about love.
The book is disappointing in that it reveals nothing about their mother. Frank was the first born and an only child for the first three years of his life and would, I imagine, have formed a deep bond with her. She remains a shodowy figure throughout and is barely mentioned.
Unless there were sections missing in my Kindle version, we have a big gap between Frank losing Studio Z after his release from prison, moving in with Bobby and finding a job in a music store, and the next thing, Frank is in New York with the fully-fledged Mothers of Invention and Frank is an accomplished band leader. How did that happen?
I would have deleted the first chapter which is about their aunt and uncle, an uninteresting pair who never appear in the book again. There are also a couple of errors which are easily rectified. 'Call Any Vegetable, Big Leg Emma, and several other songs would appear on Ruben and the Jets album.' Of course, neither of these songs appear on that album. Also, there is no mention of Frank hiring Dick Barber as Gail's minder at the log cabin in 1968, a stint that preceded his job as the Mother's road manager.
This aside, this is a valuable addition to the Zappa history file and every fan who likes to read books should read this one too.
The book is disappointing in that it reveals nothing about their mother. Frank was the first born and an only child for the first three years of his life and would, I imagine, have formed a deep bond with her. She remains a shodowy figure throughout and is barely mentioned.
Unless there were sections missing in my Kindle version, we have a big gap between Frank losing Studio Z after his release from prison, moving in with Bobby and finding a job in a music store, and the next thing, Frank is in New York with the fully-fledged Mothers of Invention and Frank is an accomplished band leader. How did that happen?
I would have deleted the first chapter which is about their aunt and uncle, an uninteresting pair who never appear in the book again. There are also a couple of errors which are easily rectified. 'Call Any Vegetable, Big Leg Emma, and several other songs would appear on Ruben and the Jets album.' Of course, neither of these songs appear on that album. Also, there is no mention of Frank hiring Dick Barber as Gail's minder at the log cabin in 1968, a stint that preceded his job as the Mother's road manager.
This aside, this is a valuable addition to the Zappa history file and every fan who likes to read books should read this one too.
July 24, 2021
"Frankie and Bobby: Growing up Zappa" is a very welcome addition to the writing on Frank Zappa. But this book is different – because it comes from Frank’s best friend in childhood, who knew him better than anyone else: Bobby Zappa, Frank’s brother.
Frank Zappa was, is and always will be one of my heroes. He’s one of the people who helped get me through adolescence in the 70s, when I was looking for an escape route out of the US Midwest. When I turned on the radio or put a Zappa record on the turntable and heard his voice, I journeyed to another place, with a like-minded spirit. I thank God - er – I mean Frank that he was saying things I thought, but that I didn’t believe anyone else did. His satire felt like it was coming from my own heart, only he knew how to articulate it much better than I – accompanied by some of the greatest music I’ve ever heard (and I’ve heard a lot).
I’ve also read a lot on Frank Zappa, including his autobiography, "The Real Frank Zappa Book," as well as Barry Miles’ biography, "Zappa." These are fine books, but Bob Zappa’s book comes from a different angle. The reader journeys with him and Frank through their childhood in a dysfunctional family with an autocratic father, who always seemed to think he was about to strike gold but never did (which certainly hit home with me).
Also, we see a sensitive, caring side of Frank Zappa in Bob’s book. There are several moving stories in it. Two of them have to do with Bob’s time in the Marine Corps (and I never would have guessed that Frank’s little brother was a marine; something that also hit home with me as I am a military veteran as well). When Bob graduated from Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego, Frank was the only person from his family who came for the graduation ceremony. Likewise, after Bob returned to the US after a tour in Okinawa and Vietnam, Frank was the only Zappa to greet him.
But Bob Zappa’s book isn’t a one-sided hagiography. We see Frank Zappa’s demons crop up here and there in the book as well.
After having read the book I want to learn more about the writer, Bob; his own life sounds like quite a story, and his brother’s role in it is just one part (though certainly a big part).
Hopefully, this won’t be the last we hear from Bob Zappa.
Frank Zappa was, is and always will be one of my heroes. He’s one of the people who helped get me through adolescence in the 70s, when I was looking for an escape route out of the US Midwest. When I turned on the radio or put a Zappa record on the turntable and heard his voice, I journeyed to another place, with a like-minded spirit. I thank God - er – I mean Frank that he was saying things I thought, but that I didn’t believe anyone else did. His satire felt like it was coming from my own heart, only he knew how to articulate it much better than I – accompanied by some of the greatest music I’ve ever heard (and I’ve heard a lot).
I’ve also read a lot on Frank Zappa, including his autobiography, "The Real Frank Zappa Book," as well as Barry Miles’ biography, "Zappa." These are fine books, but Bob Zappa’s book comes from a different angle. The reader journeys with him and Frank through their childhood in a dysfunctional family with an autocratic father, who always seemed to think he was about to strike gold but never did (which certainly hit home with me).
Also, we see a sensitive, caring side of Frank Zappa in Bob’s book. There are several moving stories in it. Two of them have to do with Bob’s time in the Marine Corps (and I never would have guessed that Frank’s little brother was a marine; something that also hit home with me as I am a military veteran as well). When Bob graduated from Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego, Frank was the only person from his family who came for the graduation ceremony. Likewise, after Bob returned to the US after a tour in Okinawa and Vietnam, Frank was the only Zappa to greet him.
But Bob Zappa’s book isn’t a one-sided hagiography. We see Frank Zappa’s demons crop up here and there in the book as well.
After having read the book I want to learn more about the writer, Bob; his own life sounds like quite a story, and his brother’s role in it is just one part (though certainly a big part).
Hopefully, this won’t be the last we hear from Bob Zappa.
April 2, 2019
It’s OK. Only if you are a “completist” that wants to read everything about FZ.
Some revealing stories about Frank’s young days, ongoing conflicting relationship with his father and special bond with his younger brother Bob. But, honestly : no extraordinary (in the biblical sense of the word) revelation of sorts.
If your reading time is scarce and you’re a FZ maniac like I am : Pauline Butcher’s Freak Out is way much better !
Some revealing stories about Frank’s young days, ongoing conflicting relationship with his father and special bond with his younger brother Bob. But, honestly : no extraordinary (in the biblical sense of the word) revelation of sorts.
If your reading time is scarce and you’re a FZ maniac like I am : Pauline Butcher’s Freak Out is way much better !
January 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was an interesting view into how Frank Zappa grew up.
September 19, 2024
At first I thought, again someone who comes to take his piece from a famous family member. Wrong! This is a very well written, gripping story about growing up in the Zappa family. Recommended!
July 5, 2016
Fantastic and Insightful
I loved this book. Bob Zappa did all Frank's fans a favor by writing it (and a great service to Frank's memory). He wrote a well paced, insightful glimpse into their childhood that was easy to follow and held the spotlight on all people involved for the correct amount of time. I have read many books written about musicians, and most of them come across as either 1) exploitative, 2) self indulgent 3) banal or 4) completely erroneous. This is is definitely none of the above. You can tell Bob was coming from a place of true love and respect for his sibling. I also enjoyed his brief recollections on Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart. His accounts convey a honest and unique perspective of his and Frank's formative years that only he could provide. I am thrilled he was able and willing to chronicle it for the world. If only all profiles on musicians written by loved ones were as thoughtful and genuine as this one!
I loved this book. Bob Zappa did all Frank's fans a favor by writing it (and a great service to Frank's memory). He wrote a well paced, insightful glimpse into their childhood that was easy to follow and held the spotlight on all people involved for the correct amount of time. I have read many books written about musicians, and most of them come across as either 1) exploitative, 2) self indulgent 3) banal or 4) completely erroneous. This is is definitely none of the above. You can tell Bob was coming from a place of true love and respect for his sibling. I also enjoyed his brief recollections on Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart. His accounts convey a honest and unique perspective of his and Frank's formative years that only he could provide. I am thrilled he was able and willing to chronicle it for the world. If only all profiles on musicians written by loved ones were as thoughtful and genuine as this one!
June 26, 2016
Great read
Bob Zappa has written a very tender and endearing account of his brothers childhood. Unlike many other books of this nature; this book really reveals Frank Zappa as a person. I loved how he reveals how Frank picked up many of his attributes from his father; a man he constantly fought with. This book is valuable to Frank Zappa fans, and anyone interested in mid 20th century culture.
Bob Zappa has written a very tender and endearing account of his brothers childhood. Unlike many other books of this nature; this book really reveals Frank Zappa as a person. I loved how he reveals how Frank picked up many of his attributes from his father; a man he constantly fought with. This book is valuable to Frank Zappa fans, and anyone interested in mid 20th century culture.
October 27, 2016
Great stories of the young Frank Zappa
As told by his younger brother Bobby. The book talks about the many moves they made and how it made them closer to try and survive the difficult circumstances. You gain insights into the way Frank's personality and world view developed. A must read for any Zappa fan.
As told by his younger brother Bobby. The book talks about the many moves they made and how it made them closer to try and survive the difficult circumstances. You gain insights into the way Frank's personality and world view developed. A must read for any Zappa fan.
March 25, 2017
I thought that this was a really interesting read. it looks at the early life of Frank Zappa and his brother Bobby and discusses the people and events that shaped Franks' views and his music.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews