Bunk Gardner

Bunk Gardner, born John Leon Guarnera on May 2, 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio, is an American multi‑instrumentalist and performance artist best known for his work with Frank Zappa’s groundbreaking group, The Mothers of Invention. From a young age he displayed prodigious musical talent, beginning piano lessons at seven under Elmira Snodgrass for a modest fifty‑cent fee before picking up the saxophone at twelve. In 1950 he earned a coveted position as a bassoonist with the Cleveland Philharmonic, marking the start of a professional career that would span more than seven decades. After a stint recording popular TV‑show theme covers for Roulette Records in 1954, Gardner moved to California in 1960, where he quickly immersed himself in the vibrant West Coast music scene, collaborating with such diverse artists as Eartha Kitt, Tim Buckley, Little Richard and Van Morrison. His most celebrated period began in November 1966 when he joined The Mothers of Invention as a woodwinds specialist, contributing tenor sax, flute, and a variety of reed instruments to seminal albums including We’re Only in It for the Money, Lumpy Gravy, Cruising With Ruben & The Jets and Uncle Meat. Though he departed the group in 1969, his contributions continued to be recognized on post‑departure releases such as Burnt Weeny Sandwich and Weasels Ripped My Flesh. After leaving Zappa’s ensemble, Gardner and his older brother Buzz (Charles Guarnera) founded the experimental trio Menage A Trois with guitarist John Balkin, further expanding his avant‑garde credentials. From 2001 onward he partnered with former Mother Don Preston in the duo The Don and Bunk Show, touring extensively and offering audiences a rare chance to hear Zappa’s complex compositions performed by original members. Between 2003 and 2009 he also performed with the Los Feliz Woodwind Ensemble, showcasing his mastery of clarinet, alto sax and other reed instruments. Gardner’s later years have seen the release of solo projects such as It’s All Bunk (2007) and a two‑part autobiographical series titled The Bunk Gardner Story (2011). Beyond music, his personal life includes a marriage to Bonnie Gardner in 1977, with whom he has two daughters, and a courageous battle with prostate cancer that he has publicly discussed, further endearing him to fans worldwide.