WKCR announces a special birthday broadcast for American guitarist and composer Frank Zappa, broadcast on FM and HD radio and online from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. The broadcast will run from the conclusion of Cereal Music until Wednesday night News & Arts programming. The broadcast will occupy Out to Lunch, Jazz Alternatives, and preempt Extended Technique.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on December 21, 1940, Frank Zappa was largely a self-taught musician, whose 30-year career embraced a wide variety of musical genres, encompassing rock, jazz, synth, and symphonies. Avant-garde composers, as well as math and chemistry from his father's work, all fell into Zappa's mix of influences and comprised his unique approach to his art, coupled with a flouting of convention. Zappa also directed films, designed album covers, and spoke about social issues. Although his bizarre and rebellious streak occasionally overshadowed his compositional strength, Zappa is highly respected as a guitarist and musical pioneer. He died from prostate cancer on December 4, 1993, at age 52.

The broadcast will feature live programming highlighting music from the WKCR library and a deep dive into Zappa’s catalog. A programming schedule for the special broadcast is forthcoming. Follow WKCR on Instagram (@wkcr) and Twitter (@WKCRFM) for further updates. Online listening is available 24/7 at wkcr.org via our web stream.