Gail Zappa recently passed away from cancer. Gail was a unique person, perfectly suited for her role as advocate and champion. She just didn’t hold back. She did not censor herself and went for everything she did with gusto. It’s a huge loss for her family and friends.
Gail, the wife of musician Frank Zappa, was a role model and a tireless champion on behalf of her husband and children for many years and has been a protector of Frank’s estate. She was compassionate, extremely smart and creative advocate and champion, and over time, she became an outspoken advocate for artists to retain their rights and their masters.
Even before meeting Frank, Gail had a powerful life. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in the mid-Sixties and immersed herself in the music scene. As time went on, she embarked on some amazing adventures, which included hitchhiking to Los Angeles, where she met Runaways manager Kim Fowley. She recorded an album with him billed as “Bunny and Bear” (It’s worth noting that she was “Bear”.)
She became the secretary at the Sunset Strip mainstay the Whisky a GoGo and eventually met Frank Zappa. Over time they began living together and married a few years later. The road to marriage wasn’t traditional but it was perfect for the couple. Frank wrote about the ceremony in his book, sharing that Gail was nine months pregnant at the time and didn’t have (and never got) wedding rings. Together they had four children – Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet and Diva, all of whom have built wonderful lives.
In fact, two of Gail’s sons carry on the family tradition. Dweezil is a musician like his dad and has been on tour for years now doing a 2-hour show with some amazing musicians backing him up, covering his dad’s work. Ahmet is working with his wife for Disney to create a new, trendy animated series and children’s books. (He’s also the invisible man behind a lot of Microsoft ad campaigns and their market development.) His other role is managing his father’s estate on behalf of both his parents.
Gail was full of life, enthusiasm, creativity, and power and enjoyed everything her children created. In his role as estate manager, Ahmet carries a big legacy responsibility – and had endless love and respect from his mom for stepping into that effort.
Among so many other things, Gail was my friend. She was a powerhouse on every level. Her friends and family adored her for her powerful devotion to Frank, her children and her business – as well as her unending love for life itself. Her Smile could truly light up any room she entered.
The lights in rooms around the world are dimmer without Gail. She fought daily in her life, for the last 23+ years, to protect her family and husband’s legacy. Mission Accomplished Gail! Your legacy will live for years to come, never to be forgotten.
To your best success,
Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC
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