Gail Zappa Dies

Frank and Gail Zappa, brief but influential members of L.A.’s Laurel Canyon community of artists at its creative peak, married in 1967 and had four children: Dweezil, Moon Unit, Ahmet and Diva. It was announced earlier this year that Ahmet would take charge of the family foundation.

“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 20^th century,” the Zappa Family Trust said in a statement. “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.”

Frank Zappa died in 1993.