Fred Frith

Sound • 1949-02-17 • Heathfield, Sussex, England, UK

English musician, composer and professor, who is known for his avant-garde works involving electric guitars, film soundtracks and using improvisations in his music. He first gained prominence as a member of progressive rock band Henry Cow, in the 1970s, and collaborated with various musicians and bands throughout his career. Since the 1980s, he has composed music for film, theatre and dance. In addition, he was Professor of Composition in the Music Department at Mills College in Oakland, California until his retirement in 2018.