Frank Zappa’s widow, Gail Zappa, died peacefully Wednesday at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 70.
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TMZ first reported her death which, according to her family, happened on Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles. As head of the Zappa Family Trust, Gail protected her husband’s musical legacy and sought to ensure none of his material was used or released without her prior authorisation. But more than any singular accomplishment, she defined herself in her personal relationships, happiest when surrounded by loved ones and artists, often one and the same. She toured with Frank, and supported every endeavor he pursued, including his music, art, and film projects. Her searing intelligence, unforgettable smile, wild thicket of hair and trailing black velvets leave a blur in her wake… While the cause of death was not released, they said that she had been ill for a few time.
The couple had four children, Moon (born September 28, 1967, one week after their marriage), Dweezil (1969), Ahmet (1974) and Diva (1979).
Just three months ago, Gail officially gave actor-turned-director Alex Winter the OK to make a documentary about Frank. She met Zappa while working as a secretary at the legendary Sunset Strip club Whisky a Go Go.
The Zappa family announced earlier this year that the couple’s second youngest Ahmet, 41, would be taking over the running of the Trust, which was founded 21 years ago.
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CDL would like to send our condolences to Gail and Frank Zappa’s family. The composer recalled affectionately in his book that it was her idea to name their son Dweezil, after a “funny-looking little toe” she had. She has kept all of Frank’s records in the public and has put out 38 albums of his unreleased music over the past two decades.
