Mary Weiss, Lead Singer of The Shangri-Las, Passes Away at 75
Remembering a Legend
Mary Weiss, the lead singer and focal point of The Shangri-Las, one of the truly legendary girl groups of the early 1960s, has sadly passed away at the age of 75. Her death was confirmed by Miriam Linna of Norton Records, who released Weiss’ only solo album in 2007. While no cause of death has been cited, we mourn the loss of this iconic figure in the music industry.
A Pioneer of the Girl Group Era
Mary Weiss, along with the Ronettes, epitomized the girl group era of the 1960s like no other. Her tart, youthful voice and long blonde hair made her the object of countless crushes during the era. With hit songs like “Leader of the Pack,” “Great Big Kiss,” “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” and “Heaven Only Knows,” The Shangri-Las left an indelible mark on the music scene.
A Brief But Impactful Career
From 1964 to 1965, The Shangri-Las, under the guidance of producer George “Shadow” Morton, released a series of killer pop songs that captivated audiences. They pioneered the teen-death epic with “Leader of the Pack,” a song that spawned countless imitations and was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their songs also showcased a nuanced yet torrid sexuality, with Mary Weiss’ bandmates asking questions about her love interest in the call-and-answer segment of “Great Big Kiss.”
The Shangri-Las’ influence extended far beyond their brief heyday, with the New York Dolls, a highly influential punk rock group, covering “Great Big Kiss” and singing their praises. Despite the decline of the girl group sound due to the British Invasion and the ’60s rock movement, The Shangri-Las cast a long shadow that continues to resonate.
A Genuine New York City Story
Mary Weiss and her sister Betty Weiss, along with twins Margie Ganser and Mary-Ann Ganser, grew up in Queens, New York. They attended the same high school and began performing at local nightclubs in 1963. Producer Artie Ripp noticed their talent and arranged their first record deal with Kama Sutra. This led to their first recording, “Simon Says,” in December 1963.
Later, “Shadow” Morton, an associate of Phil Spector, enlisted The Shangri-Las to perform and record his song “Remember (Walking in the Sand).” This collaboration proved fruitful when the Red Bird label hired Morton. In the summer of 1964, Red Bird released “Remember (Walking in the Sand)” to high acclaim.
The following year, The Shangri-Las achieved chart-topping success with their iconic song “Leader of the Pack.” Despite the departure of Betty from the group, they continued as a trio and embarked on tours throughout 1965 and 1966.
A Lasting Legacy
After the closure of Red Bird in 1966, The Shangri-Las disbanded. Decades later, in 2007, Mary Weiss embarked on a solo career with her first and only solo album, “Dangerous Game,” released by Norton Records. Her contribution to the music industry will always be remembered, and her impact on the girl group era remains unparalleled.
Though we mourn the loss of Mary Weiss, her music will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come. Rest in peace, Mary, and thank you for the memories.
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