[Updated] Gail Zappa Has Passed Away
By Scott Bernstein Oct 7, 2015 • 5:30 pm PDT
Update
Oct 7, 2015 • 5:30 pm PDT
The Zappa family has issued the following statement regarding Gail Zappa’s death:Gail Zappa, nee Adelaide Gail Sloatman, age 70, departed this earth peacefully at her home on Wednesday, October 7, 2015, surrounded by her children.
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. In this and all business endeavors, Gail passionately advocated to establish clear definitions of intellectual property and copyright laws on behalf of not just her husband, but all artists. While she conducted intricate legal negotiations with corporations as grand dame of the Zappa Family Trust, she never failed to impart the sense of humor that was part and parcel of her indomitable and formidable personality. Gail, self- described as a pagan absurdist, was motivated by love in all aspects of her life, kept her authenticity intact, unbowed and, simply put, was one bad ass in the music business and political world.
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.
There is no further information to report. This is the only statement that will be released by the family.
We’re saddened to pass along the news that Gail Zappa has died at age 70. The Zappa Family confirmed Gail’s passing to TMZ. The report indicates Zappa had been battling lung cancer for years.
Gail Zappa was born Adelaide Gail Sloatman on New Year’s Day 1945. She met legendary guitarist Frank Zappa in 1966 and the pair married a year later. Gail spent the decades following Frank’s 1993 death running the Zappa Family Trust. A few months ago Gail turned over day-to-day operations of the Zappa Family Trust to her son Ahmet Zappa, who along with Dweezil, Moon and Diva, survive their mother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Zappa family.
