Mary Weiss, the iconic lead singer of the 1960s pop group the Shangri-Las, known for chart-toppers like “Leader of the Pack,” has passed away at the age of 75.
Miriam Linna, founder of Weiss’ label, Norton Records, confirmed her death on Sunday, revealing that Weiss died on Friday in Palm Springs, California.
The Shangri-Las’ Trailblazing Journey in 1960s Pop Music
The Shangri-Las, hailing from the New York City borough of Queens, were a groundbreaking girl group composed of two pairs of sisters: Mary and Elizabeth “Betty” Weiss, and twins Marguerite “Marge” Ganser and Mary Ann Ganser.
Formed during their teenage years, the group gained recognition for their working-class image and emotionally charged songs that resonated with the youth of the mid-1960s.
Producer Artie Ripp’s signing to Kama Sutra Productions marked the beginning of their success, and the Shangri-Las quickly rose to fame with hits like “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” which reached the Billboard top 5 in 1964.
The group’s signature song, “Leader of the Pack,” co-written by George “Shadow” Morton, became the top Billboard single of 1965.
Despite their meteoric rise, the Shangri-Las faced legal issues and disbanded in 1968. However, their impact as a pioneering all-female group endured.
In a 2007 interview at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Weiss reflected on the challenges faced by female artists in the industry. “I truly believe a lot of men were considered artists, whether or not people wrote for them where women were considered products,” she remarked.
Following the group’s dissolution, Mary Weiss stepped away from the music scene, relocating to San Francisco and working at an architectural firm for several years.
Her return to the music scene occurred four decades later, marked by the release of her solo debut album, “Dangerous Game,” in 2007.
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The Enduring Legacy of Shangri-Las’ Frontwoman at 75
On “Dangerous Game,” Weiss infused her music with the spirit of the Shangri-Las but approached it from a more mature perspective.
In a 2007 interview with Rolling Stone, she discussed her post-Shangri-Las years, saying, “I didn’t even sing along the car radio. When I put something down, I really put it down.”
With this album, Weiss showcased her ability to recapture the essence of her earlier work while evolving into a more seasoned artist.
In an interview with New York magazine, she expressed her desire for fun and independence, stating, “I just want to have fun now. And I’m going to. People can take advantage of you in your youth. And they’re not going to do it again. There are benefits to being a grown-up.”
Mary Weiss leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations, having played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of pop music with the Shangri-Las.
Her impact as a trailblazer for women in the industry and her enduring contribution to the world of music will be remembered fondly.
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