Jimmy Carl Black

Jimmy Carl Black was an American drummer and vocalist best known for being a founding member of Frank Zappa's band, The Mothers of Invention. Born on February 1, 1938, in El Paso, Texas, Black brought a gritty, bluesy edge to Zappa’s avant-garde rock and was known for his humorous persona, famously introducing himself onstage as “the Indian of the group.” His contribution to the Mothers' groundbreaking late '60s albums, such as "Freak Out!" and "We're Only in It for the Money," solidified his place in rock history.

After his time with Zappa, Jimmy Carl Black continued to work as a musician with various bands and collaborators, maintaining his unique blend of rock, blues, and jazz influences. He later moved to Europe and remained active in the music scene until his passing in 2008. Black's legacy is characterized by his dynamic drumming, distinctive personality, and a deep involvement in some of the most experimental corners of rock music history.