Legendary Shangri-Las Lead Singer Mary Weiss Dies at 75
Mary Weiss, the lead singer and focal point of the Shangri-Las, one of the most iconic girl groups of the early 1960s, has sadly passed away at the age of 75. Miriam Linna of Norton Records confirmed her death to Variety. No cause of death has been cited at this time.
Weiss was an absolute icon, a hero to both young men and women of my generation and beyond,” said Linna. Alongside the Ronettes, the Shangri-Las epitomized the girl group era like no other. Weiss was the heart of their sound and image, possessing a tart, youthful voice that resonated through transistor and car radios. Her long blonde hair made her the object of countless crushes during that era.
With a string of incredible pop songs written by George “Shadow” Morton, Ellie Greenwich, and Jeff Barry, and produced by Morton, the Shangri-Las had a brief but impactful reign from 1964 to 1965. They revolutionized the teen-death epic with their hit “Leader of the Pack,” which inspired countless imitations and was eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their songs, often centered around star-crossed relationships with bad boys, had a nuanced and daring sexuality for their time. In the call-and-answer segment of “Great Big Kiss,” Weiss’ bandmates ask questions about her love interest, to which she replies with sass and confidence.
While the girl group sound was ultimately overshadowed by the British Invasion and the rock movement of the ’60s, the Shangri-Las left an undeniable legacy. Within a few years, the New York Dolls, who are widely regarded as one of the greatest influences on punk rock, were covering “Great Big Kiss” and singing the praises of the Shangri-Las. Shortly after, Blondie, led by Deborah Harry, drew inspiration from girl groups and released their first album, featuring backing vocals from Ellie Greenwich.
Born and raised in the Queens borough of New York City, Weiss and her sister Betty attended the same high school as their future bandmates, twins Margie and Mary-Ann Ganser. The four girls began performing at local nightclubs in 1963, catching the attention of producer Artie Ripp, who secured their first record deal with Kama Sutra. Their first recording, “Simon Says,” was released in December 1963. However, their breakthrough came when Phil Spector associate “Shadow” Morton enlisted them to perform his song “Remember (Walking in the Sand).” The song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1964 and solidified the group’s place in music history.
Superstardom quickly followed, with the Shangri-Las performing alongside the Beatles, touring with the Rolling Stones, and making appearances on popular TV shows of the time. Their tough yet vulnerable New York City teen image was authentic, setting them apart from the other sweet and innocent girl groups. Mary Weiss, with her sweet long straight hair and angelic face, possessed a nasal voice that perfectly captured their unique sound.
Although the Shangri-Las faced lineup instability, with all members except Weiss leaving at one point or another, they continued to release several more singles before ultimately disbanding in 1968. Despite declining numerous reunion offers, they regrouped in 1976 under Sire Records, but were dissatisfied with the recorded songs, which still remain unreleased. Over the years, they occasionally reunited for tours, and in 2007, Norton Records released Weiss’ only solo album, “Dangerous Game,” which she toured to support.
Weiss chose to live a reclusive life, often reflecting on the challenges faced by teenage girls in the male-dominated music industry of the 1960s. Her experiences, along with those of other women from that era, are detailed in the 2023 oral history “But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?,” a definitive account of the time. Mary Weiss will be remembered as an extraordinary talent who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Rest in peace, Mary Weiss. You will be greatly missed.
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