Death of Mary Weiss, Lead Singer of The Shangri-Las
Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the popular 1960s pop group the Shangri-Las, has sadly passed away at the age of 75. Miriam Linna, founder of Weiss’ label, Norton Records, announced the news on Sunday. Weiss died in Palm Springs, California, on Friday, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
A Pioneering Girl Group
The Shangri-Las, hailing from the borough of Queens in New York City, were a groundbreaking girl group consisting of two pairs of sisters. Mary Weiss and her sister Elizabeth “Betty” Weiss were joined by twins Marguerite “Marge” Ganser and Mary Ann Ganser. They first met in school and began performing at school dances and teen hops as teenagers.
Under the guidance of producer Artie Ripp, the Shangri-Las rose to fame with their tough, working-class image and emotionally charged songs about teenage dreams and heartbreak. Their first hit, “Remember (Walking In The Sand),” reached the top 5 on the Billboard charts in 1964. Written by George “Shadow” Morton, the song showcased the group’s unique sound, which blended Ronettes-style R&B with powerful teenage emotions.
Success and Legacy
One of their most iconic songs, “Leader Of The Pack,” co-written by Morton, became the top Billboard single of 1965. However, despite their success, the Shangri-Las faced legal issues and disbanded in 1968. Nevertheless, they left a lasting impact as a pioneering all-female group in the music industry.
In a 2007 interview at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Mary Weiss expressed her belief that male artists were often considered true artists, while women were seen as mere products. After the group’s breakup, Weiss stepped away from the music business and moved to San Francisco. She worked at an architectural firm for many years before making a comeback.
A Solo Career
In 2007, Mary Weiss released her debut solo album, “Dangerous Game.” The album captured some of the spirit and sound of the Shangri-Las but from a more mature perspective. Weiss explained in an interview with Rolling Stone that she had distanced herself from music during her post-Shangri-Las years but was now ready to have fun and take advantage of her newfound freedom as an adult.
Weiss stated, “I just want to have fun now. And I’m going to. People can take advantage of you in your youth, but they’re not going to do it again. There are benefits to being a grown-up.”
A Fond Farewell
The passing of Mary Weiss is a great loss to the music industry. Her powerful and emotive vocals, alongside the Shangri-Las’ distinctive sound, left an indelible mark on the pop music of the 1960s. We may never know the exact cause of her death, but her legacy as a pioneering female artist will continue to inspire generations to come.
Rest in peace, Mary Weiss. Your music will forever live on in our hearts.
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