Frank Zappa

“Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.”

Instigator of the concept rock band The Mothers of Invention, Frank Zappa frolicked though the late 60s music scene as its zany court jester, spawning over sixty albums including Freak Out, Lumpy Gravy, and We’re Only In It for the Money, and even a movie—200 Motels. Zappa’s work extended well into the following decades, with his 1982 hit Valley Girl, recorded by his daughter, Moon Zappa.

Zappa’s signature goatee and moustache (perhaps an homage to Groucho Marx) was complimented by an avalanche of long black curls framing his slender face.

But Zappa had more serious side. His 1988 release of Lumpy Gravy—a blend of orchestral and electronic music—rivals the work of the avant-garde composer John Cage.

A fierce critic of the hypocrisy of politicians and preachers, Zappa advocated the de-criminalization of drugs, although he eschewed them himself. And in a 1985 Congressional hearing he derailed Tipper Gore’s perhaps well-intended attempt to impose censorship on popular music with withering scorn.

Two years after his death, Frank Zappa was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Is A Gray Or White Beard Right For You?

Bill Alley, Broadcast Host, Producer & Beard Advocate

The photos you see are my own. The selfie that was face first before the world was taken with sunglasses just after a series of eye surgeries in early 2013. That beard was greatly enhanced since 1987 by ‘beard in a bottle’ [aka Just For Men], put to use when I grew the beard as this product was my excuse-ending reason for any more shaving. The moustache—here for over 46 years now—is virgin territory. The white-whiskered shot was taken September 2018 for the radio station. The primary, if not only, reason it went natural was thanks to that Branson MO trip two summers ago with the Santas. When you have hundreds of them encourage with cheer and insight, so darn convincing...how can you say ‘no’ to Saint Nick? Thanks to their brotherly ways the beard stays consistently longer.

My situation these days brightens the faces of kids, wondering if Santa is watching them; a wink, smile and a whispered ‘Ho Ho Ho’ awes them. Aged beards lavish consistent thought and comment from many admirers with the words ‘distinguished’, ‘handsome’ and ‘desirable’. Fans find us on Pinterest, established Mens magazines and anywhere Veterans, Educators, Musicians, Doctors, Entrepreneurs and rugged active folk roam the earth.

Though the beard continues to dominate the male face, we are closely watching the so-called Social Justice crowd who have been consistently and vehemently anti-male, and by extension, anti-beard. The resulting ‘beard shaming’ has effected some areas of progressive society where some influencers are being swayed. Despite this new threat, beards of all types, young and old alike, are flourishing like crazy. Not ready for the distinguished older look? No worries; sales appear as brisk as ever, helping whiskers keep their youth as the 30-year success of mens hair coloring remains strong.

Beardsley At 25: Year In Review

by Bill Alley, Broadcast Host, Wordsmith and Beard Advocate

First, a hearty THANK YOU to all who have discovered and enjoy the great line of Beard care products at Beardsley And Company. From my first encounter in 2004 with four bottles of aromatic shampoos and a good conditioner to today, the fare, form and fashion here drives quality and innovation with a tenacity for excellence, but never forgets the spirit of its brand.

The rendered beards on the bottles are all important figures of history. Being an historian, that warms my soul. This year’s honor roll of the whiskered men of renown make the bold statement that the Bearded are prominent fixtures on History’s timeline. Having a hand in developing the words and persuasive olfactory which lent expertise to break-out products and formulations, this beard advocate truly enjoys the opportunity to give John Odam, proprietor and creator of Beardsley, the thrust needed to keep this brand attractive in the present and foremost for the future.

It’s been a great year as Beardsley introduced new beard shampoo scents while product distribution continued worldwide expansion. The beard wipe, a superb answer to the moist towelette and its ‘bitter furniture polish’ flavor, gives a great pairing opportunity to connect Beardsley’s on-the-go handiness to the table. New kits and accessories add style and results to beard maintenance. And comments from patrons always lend tribute:

“The wash leaves your beard feeling soft and magical. Yes, magical. That is the only word that comes to mind in order to describe the softness. It was like touching a feathery pillow on my face, and my beard was very happy.” [Aaron V, Amazon review]

“I kept debating on shaving my beard because of my skin condition but this shampoo cleared my skin and boosted my confidence.” [Joe F, Amazon Review]

Beardsley formulas are ‘world class’—developed to discriminating European Union standards. The research and developers, logistics teams that move product efficiently, the barbers and stylists that recommend and carry the product line, the support teams which keep connected to patrons and professionals, and associations that lend their critical eye, ear and finesse to all that adds value and attraction round out this success model. These strengths are as true as the bearded man himself; confident as the Lion that is the logo, aware and compelled to stand out as master of the whiskered domain.