WE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE

For Gayle, music was around her as far back as she could remember. Her father was a great violinist while her mother played both violin and flute. At the age of three, they discovered Gayle had perfect pitch. Her junior high and high schools were filled with music, drama, and art. And at Fairfax High School she loved every moment accompanying her choir and musicals on both piano and harp.

In the mid-60’s she started playing on many record sessions, one of which was a Christmas album for Julie Andrews, arranged and conducted by Andre Previn. “They made me feel so welcome to be with them,” Gayle recalls. She treasured sessions working with top artists including the “one and only” Ray Charles with Sid Feller, Frank Sinatra with Don Costa arranging and conducting, the Carpenters (played on each of their albums), and Barbra Streisand, whom she is grateful to continue to work with today. “When I hear [Barbra] singing in my headphones, I play and breathe with her. I know within my heart that there is no other place I would rather be when playing on her sessions. She is truly a living legend and I am truly proud to be able to bring my musicianship to her amazing albums and films over the past five decades.”

In 2010, Gayle and John became supporters of Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ programs. They believe that “music is our universal language and is life-affirming for everyone; no one should be left out,” Gayle says.

Gayle and John share that they “are grateful to ETM-LA for stepping up to the plate to bring back music to so many disadvantaged children who would never be exposed to it.” To that end, they decided they wanted to make an even bigger difference – by including Education Through Music-LA in their Living Trust “so that the children will reap the benefits of the gift of music in the years to come.

“We encourage everyone to learn about ETM-LA and try to help in any way,” both Gayle and John share. “John and I will always be there for you to help support your wonderful outreach to these children.”

Education Through Music-LA is grateful for Gayle and John’s lasting Legacy Gift which will keep on giving in perpetuity.

If you or someone you know has a passion for nurturing children through music and would like to find out more about our Legacy Giving Program, please contact us at legacy@etmla.org or 818-433-7600. Together, we can create a brighter future for all children.