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Richard Gail Obituary

June 14, 1938 - Dec. 2, 2015 Dick was born in Lawrence, MA, He was a renowned jazz drummer who played with some of the jazz greats. A private ceremony will be held for family members at Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel December 18, 2015. For info follow on facebook: Dick Gail, Jazz Musician/Provocateur and Gail Force

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Dec. 18, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gail

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Scott G.

July 18, 2024

Yo, I met Dick through the Sacramento drum & bass scene. He was a real one! We traded samples and shared gear briefly. He was SO passionate about music; it was infectious. Sad to hear that he's passed. Sending love out into the ether for Dick...

I'm going to take a short pause for the cause!

Derrick Pressley

February 18, 2016

Come celebrate the life and music of jazz drummer Dick Gail, Friday, March 4, 2016 at 3 PM - 6 PM at the Public House Theater 5440 14th Ave, Sacramento, Ca - 95820

Come celebrate the life and music of jazz drummer Dick, Friday, March 4, 2016 at 3 PM - 6 PM at the Public House Theater 5440 14th Ave, Sacramento, Ca

Derrick Pressley

February 18, 2016

Valerie Kohl

January 12, 2016

I knew him as Richard. Richard was one of the best furniture restorers we knew in the business. Our clients loved his work and loved him! We will miss him very much. He was loved by our entire staff at Champion. We had many lovely conversations with him over the years and called us to say goodbye to our David and Laura before he passed. God be with you all. Our prayers are with you during this time.

January 8, 2016

i used to play drum and bass with you at press club 2002.. much respect. dj lotis

Kenny DiPrima

December 28, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. Glad we got the chance to speak to him the last couple of years. Our heart goes out to the family. May God give you comfort.

Jon Adamson

December 24, 2015

Dick was an amazing person. He loved music and was an inspiration to me and many other people. Im gonna miss you brother, rest in peace... RiF

Marisa Wilson

December 24, 2015

Dick impacted and influenced my life more than he will ever know. In the spirit of Jesus please accept my prayer Dear God, please embrace Dick in your open arms. Mom, please meet and welcome another family member through the gates where spirits fly and protect those left behind. The music will live, the music is loud for the legacy of Dick is memorialized. The family's circle is broke yet again, but with time and love we will heal because a man who fathered many will rest in peace. With sad heart, 4everinheaven, Amen, love, Mo (daughter-in-law, Marisa)

Evan Schneider

December 21, 2015

DIck helped me out in alot of ways, he was always inspired and inspiring, I will miss him greatly, keep rockin' on in the cosmos brotha, see you on the other side.

Glenn "tito" wilson

December 21, 2015

Dick you helped me in ways I cant explain with not only your support in my music but our ventures I just wish I would have had more time to learn for you . . . .
Thank you for all your efforts to help this kid make his dreams come true .
you will not be forgotten and missed

Henry Wilson

December 19, 2015

My Father, mentor, educator and friend. I will always remember the fishing trips and most of all the music that you created and blessed our lives with. Your free spirit and "do it your own way" style of living was courageous and it brought us all the way from Albany, NY to California. Thanks for the experiences, the love and for being "DAD." I love you Pops!

vera michelson

December 18, 2015

Back in the day. Dick and Bernice spent may years in Albany, NY and I remember it like it was yesterday.I went to so many clubs where Dick was playing, as did many others. He was a well known and innovative jazz drummer in this region and beyond.. He kept the music moving and the clubs filled. He brought many musicians to the area. For a few years he brought an organist into a small club on Clinton Ave called Dewey's and Anne's, every Friday night..He played all around this region and many parts of the country. Those were crazy days in Albany. Lots of music, lots of clubbing and lots of great jazz. He played with scores of jazz musicians like Wendell Byrd, Charles Earland, Roland Prince, James Spaulding, Eddie McFadden, Dakota Statton, Grant Green, Walter Bishop, Horace Silver and many more. Dick and the family (wife Bernice, and sons Derrick and Hank) moved to California in the late 70's.. I missed them terribly. They had 51 years.It is a wonderful tribute to their deep deep love.
RIP Dick.. You laid down lots of tracks in Albany. You were part of music history here.. It was a great ride. We will miss and we will remember you.

The early days when Dick met Bernice about 1964

December 18, 2015

Kyle, Carol, Bernice, Derrick, John and Crilly a drink for Dick 12/18/15 at the Westin after the services.

December 18, 2015

Dick and Carol Garcia in the 80's Band called Gail Force!

December 18, 2015

Dick's four Boys from the left Kyle, Henry, Anthony and Derrick

December 18, 2015

The couple from Albany NY Bernice and Dick

December 18, 2015

Dick's Bernice his partner for 51 years with the 1969 Cadillac Eldorado

December 18, 2015

Dick with his two sons at Henry's collage graduation at San Francisco State University

Derrick Pressley

December 18, 2015

Find Dick on facebook at the following: Dick Gail, Jazz Musician/Provocateur and Gail Force

December 18, 2015

This photo of Dick I love and made a tattoo for his remembrance he didn't like tattoos but he like this one!

December 18, 2015

Richard playing Jazz when he was younger in the 60's

Derrick Pressley

December 18, 2015

Rex Womack

December 18, 2015

Dick was always there to help either with teaching, suggestions, labor, sharing enthusiasm, or laying down the Beat. A Gentle Warrior. Wish I had had more time with you!

Crilly Butler

December 18, 2015

The moment we met, we knew we were friends. The moment I started listening to your stories, I was hooked. The moment I started listening to your music, I was transported. It was such an honor to know you, and to be a part of your life. I smile, knowing that your story lives on.

Derrick Pressley

December 18, 2015

Dad a couple months ago you showed the greatest strength. I will always love you, my inventor, jazz musician provocateur, drum and bass bebop star! Richard was always the Boss the Band Leader and always will be that man. You change many lives Dad with your genius and your strong personal belief, all people should do good! Dad never quit loving Mom, (Bernice) for over 51 years. Thank you for all the memories and the great music man! Thank you for staying with mom and helping me get out of the hood in NY! Love always to a great man! Richard "Dick" Gail, you did it your way. Gods Speed Dad, as I say goodbye today for the last time 12/18/15.

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