Napoleon Murphy Brock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Napoleon Murphy Brock
Brock at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City, Missouri in 2012
Background information
Birth name	Napoleon Murphy Brock
Born	(1943-04-23) April 23, 1943 (age 82) San Jose, California, U.S.
Genres	Experimental music, rock, R&B, jazz, pop
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter, record producer
Instruments	Vocals, saxophone, flute, clarinet, guitar, synthesizer bass, Fender Rhodes
Associated acts	Frank Zappa, Zappa Plays Zappa, George Duke, Captain Beefheart, The Grandmothers of Invention, The Stinkfoot Orchestra

Napoleon Murphy Brock, born on April 23, 1943, is an American singer and musician. He is famous for playing the saxophone and flute. He is best known for his work with the unique musician Frank Zappa in the 1970s. He sang on many of Zappa's well-known songs like "Village of the Sun" and "Cheepnis."

A Musician's Journey

Napoleon Murphy Brock performing in 2006

Starting in Music

Napoleon Murphy Brock began his music career in the late 1960s in California. He led a band called "Communication Plus." He was the main singer, wrote songs, and arranged the music. Their performances were a mix of rock and R&B, which is a style of music called Rhythm and Blues. He also played the saxophone and flute in the band.

Joining Frank Zappa

In the early 1970s, while playing with a dance band in Hawaii, Frank Zappa's road manager discovered Brock. With encouragement from other famous musicians like George Duke and Jean-Luc Ponty, Brock decided to join Zappa's band as the lead singer. He performed on several of Zappa's albums, including Apostrophe ('), Roxy & Elsewhere, and One Size Fits All.

Working with Other Artists

Besides Frank Zappa, Brock has worked with many other talented musicians. He performed with George Duke and Captain Beefheart. He also supported a music program called The Paul Green School of Rock Music, which was featured in the 2005 film Rock School.

In 2006, Brock toured with Dweezil Zappa, Frank Zappa's son, in a show called Zappa Plays Zappa. He also often tours with other musicians who played with Frank Zappa, like Ike Willis, in a group called Project/Object. He is also a regular performer with The Grand Mothers Of Invention, a band that plays Frank Zappa's music.

Solo Work and Other Roles

Napoleon Murphy Brock released his own album called Balls in 2003. He also worked as a counselor in the mid-1960s at a special school for young people. One person he helped later wrote about how "cool" Brock was and how he played many instruments.

Grammy Award Win

Winning for "Peaches en Regalia"

On February 8, 2009, Napoleon Murphy Brock won a Grammy Award. This was a big honor for his performance of the song "Peaches en Regalia." He won the award with the band Zappa Plays Zappa, which included Steve Vai and Dweezil Zappa. The original song was first released by Frank Zappa in 1969.

Film Appearances

Napoleon Murphy Brock has appeared in several films and documentaries about Frank Zappa. These films help people learn more about Zappa's music and life. Some of these include:

• Baby Snakes
• The Dub Room Special
• A Token of His Extreme
• Roxy the Movie (released in 2015)

Music Albums

Solo Albums

Albums with Frank Zappa

Albums with George Duke

See also

In Spanish: Napoleon Murphy Brock para niños