Full Name: Don Van Vliet (1941-2010)
Captain Beefheart was the pseudonym of Don Van Vliet, an American musician, singer, and artist. He was best known as the frontman of the experimental rock group Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band, which he formed in the 1960s. His music was characterized by its eclectic and unconventional style, blending elements of blues, avant-garde, and psychedelic rock. He was known for his distinctive and often abstract vocals, as well as his innovative approach to composition and arrangement. Captain Beefheart retired from music in the 1980s to focus on painting and died in 2010 from multiple sclerosis.
Origin of the Stage Name
The origin of Captain Beefheart's stage name is uncertain, but there are several theories. According to one story, it was inspired by a passing comment made by a friend about a drawing that Don Van Vliet had created. The friend reportedly said the drawing looked like a "captain's hat" and the "beef heart" of a steer. Another theory is that the name was a reference to a fictional character created by Van Vliet, depicted as a bluesman with a heart made of beef. However, Van Vliet himself was often cryptic and evasive when asked about the origin of his stage name, adding to the mystery surrounding it.
Early Life and Family
Don Van Vliet was born in Glendale, Los Angeles, California, United States on January 15, 1941. He was the first child of Glen Alonzo Vliet (born June 27, 1909) and Willie Sue Warfield (born September 3, 1913).
When he was 25 years old, his father, Glen Alonzo Vliet, died on February 10, 1966. When he was 66 years old, his mother, Willie Sue Warfield, passed away on February 20, 2007.
Death and Legacy
On December 17, 2010, Don Van Vliet passed away in Arcata, Humboldt, California, United States at the age of 69. In December 2010, he was buried in Trinidad Cemetery, Trinidad, Humboldt, California, United States.
Music and Style
Beefheart's music was highly unconventional, featuring complex rhythms, atonal melodies, and cryptic lyrics. He had a gravelly, Howlin’ Wolf-inspired voice and often used shifting time signatures and jagged instrumental textures. His band, The Magic Band, consisted of highly skilled musicians who helped translate his unorthodox musical visions into reality.
Relationship with Frank Zappa
Beefheart and Frank Zappa were childhood friends and occasional collaborators, though their relationship was often turbulent. Zappa produced Trout Mask Replica and signed Beefheart to his Straight Records label, but their creative differences and personal tensions led to occasional fallouts.
Art Career and Retirement
In 1982, Van Vliet retired from music and focused on painting, becoming a successful abstract expressionist artist. His paintings were widely exhibited and critically acclaimed.
Personal Life
Don Van Vliet was born in Glendale, Los Angeles, California, United States on 15/01/1941. He was the first child of Glen Alonzo Vliet 27/06/1909 and Willie Sue Warfield 03/09/1913.
When he was 25 years old, his father Glen Alonzo Vliet died (10/02/1966). When he was 66 years old, his mother Willie Sue Warfield died (20/02/2007).
On 17/12/2010, he died in Arcata, Humboldt, California, United States when he was 69 years old. In Dec 2010, he was buried in Trinidad Cemetery, Trinidad, Humboldt, California, United States.
