WHFR wishes you Happy Mother’s DayjWITH THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC OF FRANK ZAPPA

WHFR ^ | May 9, 2026 | N/A

[DoodleBob]

On Sunday May 10, WHFR Presents will feature three hours of the music of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention for your listening and dancing pleasure.

Frank Zappa (1940-1993) was known to many as an eclectic rock musician but his work spanned across rock, jazz, modern classical and synth music. Going beyond his provocative lyrics and social commentary, Zappa's music incorporated the work of modern composers, jazz and the avant-garde...

WHFR Presents will feature the works of Frank Zappa concentrating on his many instrumental works. Featured will be his instrumental work with the original Mothers of Invention, later incarnations of the Mothers and work with orchestras as well as synth works and a couple of sneaky little songs for all the mothers of the world.

Join me, Pat Frisco, for a three-hour ride into the world of Frank Zappa, Sunday, May 10, from 4-7pm EDT, with a repeat broadcast Thursday, May 14, from 11am-2pm EDT, here on WHFR 89.3 fm and streaming on whfr.fm.

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TOPICS: Music/Entertainment
KEYWORDS: frankzappa; mothersofinvention; zappa

[DoodleBob]

Pick your favorite Mothers of Invention or Mothers Album:

Freak Out! [1966]

You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. 5 [June 1966 – July 14, 1982]

Absolutely Free [1967]

Lumpy Gravy [1967]

We're Only In It For the Money [1968]

Cruisin' with Ruben & The Jets [1968]

Uncle Meat [1969]

Burnt Weeny Sandwich [1970]

Weasels Ripped My Flesh [1970]

The Mothers Fillmore East - June 1971 [June 5, 1971 – June 6, 1971]

Just Another Band From L.A. [August 7, 1971]

Over-Nite Sensation [1973]

Roxy & Elsewhere [December 8, 1973 – December 12, 1973 & May 8, 1974]

One Size Fits All [1975]

Bongo Fury [1975]

[DoodleBob]

A few errors here…Apostrohe and Hot Rats aren’t MOI or Mothers’ albums.

[Mariner]

Freak Out! and Joes Garage.

[frank ballenger]

I nominate Bongo Fury for the funniest title in rock music.

[frank ballenger]

Song lyric while everybody thinks.

Motherly Love

Forget about
The brotherly and other-ly love
Motherly love
Is just the thing for you
You know your mother’s gonna love ya
‘Til ya don’t know what to do.

The mother’s got love
That’ll drive ya mad
They’re ravin’ ‘bout the way we do
No need to feel lonely
No need to feel sad
If we ever get a hold on you
What you need is
Motherly love

[Kid Shelleen]

Another vote for Joe's Garage.

Frank Zappa - Joe's Garage (Visualizer)

[Lurker]

Frank was a musical genius. I saw him 5 times.

L

[Lurker]

Watermelon In Easter Hay.

Brilliant guitar solo.

L

[ComputerGuy]

Zappa and listening pleasure?

[SunkenCiv]

Frank also had the film and soundtrack of 200 Motels, with MOI members Jimmy Carl Black, George Duke, Aynsley Dunbar, Howard Kaylan, , Jim Pons, Mark Volman, and Ian Underwood. I’ve never had the pleasure. Maybe it’s on Amazon Prime by now, give me something to do this evening between naps.

[Flycatcher]

I’d have to go with “Just Another Band From LA.”

Oh man, back in college in the early 80’s, we played that record to death. And I imagine some of my fellow dorm mates wished they could put us to death too. Haha!

[DoodleBob]

First, Joe’s Garage is an excellent triple album. Watermelon in Easter Hay is regarded by many fans as FZ’s greatest solo.

Second, related to Joe’s Garage, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta - one of the greatest drummers EVER - just received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music.

Third, and coincidentally, according to Scott Schinder and Andy Schwartz, Zappa’s narrative of censorship reflected the censorship of music during the Iranian Revolution of 1979, where rock music was made illegal.

Last, and unfortunately for THIS vote, Joe’s Garage is NOT part of the MOI or Mothers’ catalog.

My vote for best FZ album post-Mothers is either Sheik Yerbouti or The Shut Up n Play Yer Guitar trio.

[Veto!]

Thanks for lyrics.

But actually, Otherly Love. was far more fun.

[Lurker]

It’s hard to pick a “best” Zappa album.

JG is definitely one of them. So is Zoot Allures IMO. Apostrophe is definitely in the mix.

L

[DoodleBob]

Keith Moon and Ringo are also in the movie.

Ringo plays Frank!

[Larry Lucido]

Frank Zappa and the Mothers? I hear they were at the best spot in town.

[FreeReign]

I’d have to go with “Just Another Band From LA.” Oh man, back in college in the early 80’s, we played that record to death. And I imagine some of my fellow dorm mates wished they could put us to death too. Haha!

Yes we did the same thing in college too, in the late 70's.

Roxy and Elsewhere too.

[DoodleBob]

I agree. As soon as I vote “Sheik Yerbuti” you remind me of Apostrophe.

I saw Frank 3x - it was life-alteringly awesome.

If seen Dweezil countless times and the Zappa alumni band with Mike Keneally, Ray White, Bobby Martin, Scott Thunes, and Vaultmeister Joe Travers. All are killer.

[Disambiguator]

I think I know someone’s favorite album.

[DoodleBob]

There is not a speck of cereal in Roxy.