Mary Weiss, Lead Singer of the Shangri-Las, Passes Away at 75
Mary Weiss, the iconic lead singer of the Shangri-Las, a legendary girl group from the early 1960s, has sadly passed away at the age of 75. The news of her death was confirmed by Miriam Linna of Norton Records, who released Weiss’ solo album in 2007. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
A Trailblazing Icon of the Girl Group Era
Mary Weiss, along with the Ronettes, epitomized the girl group era of the 1960s. Her powerful and youthful voice, combined with her long blonde hair, made her a focal point of the Shangri-Las’ sound and image. Hits like “Leader of the Pack,” “Great Big Kiss,” “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” and “Heaven Only Knows” solidified their status as true legends of the era.
The Shangri-Las, under the guidance of songwriters George “Shadow” Morton, Ellie Greenwich, and Jeff Barry, created a unique sound that captured the hearts of listeners. Their songs, including the groundbreaking “Leader of the Pack,” delved into themes of teenage love and heartbreak, paving the way for future artists in the genre.
A Lasting Legacy
Although their heyday was short-lived, lasting only from 1964 to 1965, the impact of the Shangri-Las was indelible. Their music was not only influential during their time but continued to inspire generations to come. Punk rock pioneers, the New York Dolls, covered their songs and praised their contributions to the genre. Even Blondie, led by Deborah Harry, drew inspiration from the girl group sound and released their first album featuring Ellie Greenwich on backing vocals.
A Journey to Stardom
Born and raised in Queens, New York City, Mary Weiss and her sister Betty Weiss attended the same high school as their future bandmates, Margie and Mary-Ann Ganser. The four teenagers began performing at local nightclubs, catching the attention of producer Artie Ripp. This led to their first record deal with Kama Sutra and their debut recording, “Simon Says.” Later, they worked with “Shadow” Morton, who had them perform his song “Remember (Walking in the Sand)” under Red Bird Records.
The Shangri-Las’ breakthrough came with the release of “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1964. Their success continued with the chart-topping hit “Leader of the Pack,” featuring its dramatic spoken introduction and motorcycle sound effects. They followed up with hits like “Give Him a Great Big Kiss” and “Out in the Streets.”
A Tough Image with Vulnerability
The Shangri-Las stood out from other girl groups of the time with their tough yet vulnerable image. Their songs had a street toughness, combined with a lot of vulnerability. Mary Weiss, with her sweet long straight hair and angelic face, possessed a nasal voice that showcased the best of both worlds.
Despite their immense popularity, the Shangri-Las faced lineup instability, with all members except Mary Weiss leaving at some point. After several more releases, the group disbanded in 1968. They briefly reunited in 1976 under Sire Records but were dissatisfied with the album they recorded, which remains unreleased. Mary Weiss released her only solo album, “Dangerous Game,” in 2007 with the support of Norton Records.
A Legacy Remembered
Mary Weiss remained a reclusive figure, often speaking about the challenges faced by teenage girls in the male-dominated music industry of the 1960s. Her experiences, along with those of other women from the era, are detailed in the oral history book “But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?,” providing a definitive account of the time.
The passing of Mary Weiss marks the end of an era for the music industry. Her talent, influence, and unforgettable voice will be remembered for generations to come.
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