Initially known as a saxophonist who came to prominence in the 1990s after decades of obscurity, Gayle also performed as pianist, bass clarinetist, bassist, and percussionist.

[3][4] He briefly taught music at the University at Buffalo before relocating to New York City during the early 1970s.

[4] Gayle was homeless for approximately twenty years, playing saxophone on street corners and subway platforms around New York City.

[4]When Gayle first set out on the streets, he did not imagine he would remain homeless as long as he did, although he estimated that this period lasted closer to fifteen years than twenty.

[citation needed] Gayle's music is spiritual,[6] intended to express his religious beliefs,[3] and heavily inspired by the Old and New Testaments.

Gayle explained, "I want the people to enjoy the music and if it, in anyway can suggest something about the Lord, for their benefit, that would be first in my mind.

Perhaps Gayle's most celebrated work is the album Touchin' on Trane (FMP) with Parker and Ali, which received the "Crown" accolade from the Penguin Guide to Jazz.

[citation needed] More controversially, he had sometimes included lengthy spoken-word addresses to the audience in his concerts touching on his political and religious beliefs: "I understand that when you start speaking about faith or religion, they want you to keep it in a box, but I'm not going to do that.

[citation needed] Gayle appears in the 1985 Jazz documentary, "Rising Tones Cross", directed by Ebba Jahn.