Gail & Frank Zappa in 1968; Stark-Otto/ullstein bild via Getty ImagesFrank Zappa‘s widow, Gail Zappa, died peacefully Wednesday at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 70.
A statement from the Zappa Family Trust notes 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,” the statement continues. “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 a** in the music business and political world.”
The statement concludes, “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.”
Frank and Gail married in 1967 and had four kids together — Diva, Dweezil, Ahmet, and Moon.
Frank died of prostate cancer in 1993 at age 52.
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