Frank Zappa (1940–1993) was a composer, guitarist and bandleader whose work crossed rock, jazz and concert music. With the Mothers of Invention, he released Freak Out! in 1966, combining songs, satire and studio experimentation. Albums such as Lumpy Gravy, Uncle Meat and Hot Rats extended his approach to orchestration and instrumental performance. His interest in modern composition developed early through the music of Edgard Varèse and other twentieth-century composers. Zappa’s concert works attracted performers including Pierre Boulez and Ensemble Modern, while the Synclavier became an important means of realizing demanding musical ideas. His output brought together sharply characterized melodies, elaborate rhythms, improvisation and carefully constructed scores. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.