Gail Zappa Leader of Zappa Family Trust Has Died

The Zappa Family Trust released a statement that Gail Zappa died at the age of 70 yesterday, October 7, 2015.

Born Adelaide Gail Sloatman on January 1, 1945, the statement said she “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.” It went on to say,

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.

During her time as the head of the Zappa family after Frank Zappa’s death in 1993, most recently Gail and the Zappa Family Trust had announced reissues of three Frank Zappa albums on vinyl, acquired the Captain Beefheart trademark and announced the release date for film featuring a Frank Zappa and the Mothers 1973 live performance.

The statement said that there was no further information to report on Gail’s death and that it would be the only statement from the family.