GAIL DEADRICK, a native of Los Angeles, became the conductor for Natalie Cole in June 2000.

Deadrick’s talent includes a variety of musical styles: R&B, gospel, jazz, and theater. She has accompanied and/or conducted for singers including Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., Nancy Wilson, Nell Carter, Lola Falana, Thelma Houston, Johnny Gill, Brenda Russell, Shirley Caesar, and Daryl Coley. She has also toured with Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, Maureen McGovern with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Original 5th Dimension, and the Pointer Sisters.

Deadrick was musical director and pianist for the Colors of Christmas Tour from 1994 to 1999. The tour’s featured artists were Patti Austin, Philip Bailey, Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, Roberta Flack, James Ingram, Melissa Manchester, Aaron Neville, Jeffrey Osborne, and Deniece Williams.

Deadrick has appeared on television as musical director on several occasions for a variety of artists on programs such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Today show, and The Arsenio Hall Show. She also played keyboards on the classic HBO special Sisters in the Name of Love, which featured Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, and Patti LaBelle.