European American Music Distributors Company is a member of the Schott Music Group

Gail Zappa (1945-2015)

Oct. 08, 2015

Gail Zappa (1945-2015)

It is with great sadness that Schott Music notes the passing of Gail Zappa, wife of Frank Zappa and executrix of the Zappa Family Trust. Following Frank Zappa’s death in 1993, Gail oversaw the release of 38 albums of previously unreleased material and remained a tireless advocate for his works and for the rights of artists everywhere. She was 70.

The Zappa Family Trust writes:

Married to Frank Zappa at age 22, Gail was a doe-eyed, barefooted trailblazer, giving equal value to her domestic and professional responsibilities as matriarch of the family and overseer of all Zappa enterprises. She devoted herself to partnering with her husband in the music business and raising their children, Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet and Diva. Gail enthusiastically executed her role as guardian of her husband’s creative life and, with his passing, strove to ensure his legacy as one of the leading American composers and musicians of the 20th century.

Gail will forever be identified as a key figure in the creative renaissance that is Laurel Canyon. But more than any singular accomplishment, she defined herself in her personal relationships, happiest when surrounded by loved ones and artists, often one in the same. The memories she leaves behind are indeed her own art form. Her searing intelligence, unforgettable smile, wild thicket of hair and trailing black velvets leave a blur in her wake.

Norman Ryan, Vice President, Composers and Repertoire, Schott | EAM writes:

We were very fortunate to have known and worked directly with Gail and the large catalogue of great orchestral and ensemble works by her late husband Frank Zappa. Gail was an amazing woman, wickedly funny and laser beam smart. She kept the flame of Zappa's music burning brightly and was an indomitable force for good in ensuring that performances of Frank's music worldwide were the best they could be. Gail's formidable presence and personality reached well beyond the walls of Zappa central in Laurel Canyon. Her voice in defense of all artists' rights and the integrity of a composer's score was heard round the world. I will miss our wonderful, long phone chats and in particular the good times spent in the Zappa living room listening to Frank's music and the music of Edgard Varese, who Frank revered, as Gail lovingly narrated the fascinating life and times of the singular genius that was Frank Zappa. We extend our sincerest condolences to Gail's children Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet and Diva and to Gail's entire circle of close-knit friends and colleagues. We will miss her very much.

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