News
In the spring of 1985, a debate over rock music lyrics emerged. Parents groups were calling for a rating system on albums featuring obscene lyrics. The record industry pushed back, arguing such a move was a step toward censorship. That fall, the debate made its way to the U.S. Senate, and parents’ groups got their wish — warnings would be placed on albums with explicit lyrics. Experimental rock musician Frank Zappa was among those arguing against a ratings system and he joined Cross Country Checkup hosts Wayne Grigsby and Stan Gibbons to take calls and answer the question: Should there be restrictions on rock lyrics?