Label Film Music Legend Gary Le Mel Passes

Gay Le Mel

Former WARNER BROTHERS FILM Music Pres. GARY LEMEL has passed away after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia/Parkinson’s Disease. He was 80 years old.

Born in LONDON, LE MEL came to the U.S. with his parents on THE QUEEN MARY when he was 10 and settled in TUCSON, AZ. Eventually he became a bass player and singer, touring the country with several prominent vocal groups of the time. In the early 1960s he decided to head out on his own as a solo artist and moved to LOS ANGELES. 

While working the L.A. clubs, LAS VEGAS and the PLAYBOY CLUB circuit, he was spotted on the TV show “Playboy After Dark” by the head of VEE JAY RECORDS, for whom he recorded “The Gary LeMel Album.” Unfortunately, his album was essentially forgotten when VEE JAY temporarily signed The Beatles and released their first single in AMERICA.

LE MEL transitioned into the business side, first in music publishing, then the FIRST ARTISTS production company, JERRY WEINTRAUB’S MANAGEMENT III, NEIL BOGART’s BOARDWALK RECORDS as VP/A&R, SVP/Music at COLUMBIA PICTURES and finally, the presidency of the film music division at WARNER BROS. STUDIOS.

LE MEL is survived by his wife of 47 years, MADDY, his daughters TAL, TASHA and AMBER, and his grandson ELIJAH. Details regarding a celebration of his life will be announced soon. 

Contributions in GARY’s memory can be made to MUSIC MENDS MINDS.

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