Gil Bernal

Gil Bernal (February 4, 1931, Los Angeles, California -July 17, 2011, Glendale, California) was a jazz musician. He was a tenor saxophonist and a singer.

Born to a Mexican mother and a Sicilian father, his musical interests were shaped by jazz greats Buddy Collette and Charles Mingus who lived in the same area of Los Angeles where he was raised. Bernal attended Los Angeles City College for one year before launching his career in entertainment as a tenor saxophonist in local bands. His initial break came with Lionel Hampton's band and following three years of touring the US and Canada, he left to form his own group. Bernal was appearing at Las Vegas venues when Spike Jones hired him as a member of his band which lead to further recognition. His instrumental contributions can be heard on the songs "Smokey Joe's Cafe" by the Robins and "Rebel Rouser" by Duane Eddy, in addition his vocals were utilized on the Quincy Jones and Bob Russell Oscar nominated score "The Eyes of Love" from the motion picture "Banning" (1967). Bernal remained an active performer into the 2000s.