When George Duke passed away recently, there were a few excellent youtube video links posted here.  Because youtube is really random about showing related videos (in the right hand column), it took me a while to stumble across this, but it's great.  Cavett spends an entire 30 min. show with Zappa as his only guest.
 
Google "frank zappa dick cavett" and the first three results will be the three parts to the interview.  The video isn't great, but that's not all that important.
 
In watching various youtube videos of Zappa talking, it becomes clear what an utterly sane and grounded person he was.  Just the opposite of the crazy persona most folks perceived him as having.

In order to present insanity as entertainment (and succeed) one must be entirely sane. JMO.

I'd forgotten just how big a dim bulb Dick Cavett was.  Thanks.

Dick Cavett was the nerd who showed everybody (back home) that he could hang out with the cool crowd.

Zappa was offered the "Minister of Culture" position by the Czech government.  There was a lot going on in that head of his!
 

Zappa was a genius musician. His off center public image was a rebellion against the industry and the system. It stuck, being brought out in the 60's social revolution and the chemical confusion that ensued. He was capable of so much more.

Gee, I never knew he was such an articulate guy. Lots of other good interviews with him on youtube too. Much more worthwhile IMHO than Hannah Montana and Kayne West.

His book, "The Real Frank Zappa Book," is a fantastic read. Ghost written (partially?) yes, but it's all of his own thoughts. The man is one of the sanest people who ever lived.

backwoods
Gee, I never knew he was such an articulate guy. Lots of other good interviews with him on youtube too. Much more worthwhile IMHO than Hannah Montana and Kayne West.

Who are Hannah Montana and Kayne West?

Compare to a genuine nutjob: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJWS6qyy7bw