Gail Zappa

In gradually coming to "know" Frank Zappa and his many quirks, I became more and more intrigued about the woman behind the man, Gail Zappa. Frank met Gail Sloatman when he was 25 and she was 20, and they were both circulating LA freak scene of the 60's. Actually, Frank's one-time girlfriend and roommate, Pamela Zarubica, introduced the pair in 1966. Gail worked at the Whisky a Go-Go and The Trip for Elmer Valentine, and was very much a "groupie", hanging out with bands and "exploring" her sexuality.

The couple was married in 1967, and remained together until Frank's untimely death in 1993.

What I find so amazing are the numerous accounts I have come across about Gail's down to earth nature and ability to raise her four children (Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet, and Diva) in a loving, secure environment - despite all the chaos that would have no doubt been gravitating towards Frank and his projects. Gail also proved to have keen business skills, running the administrative end of many of Frank's projects and starting numerous lucrative ventures. Gail is now the executive of the Frank Zappa Family Trust.