Mary Weiss, Lead Singer of the Shangri-Las, Passes Away at 75
Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the iconic 1960s pop group the Shangri-Las, has sadly passed away at the age of 75. Miriam Linna, founder of Weiss’ label, Norton Records, confirmed the news on Sunday, stating that Weiss died on Friday in Palm Springs, Calif. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
A Pioneering All-Female Group
The Shangri-Las, formed in Queens, New York, consisted of two pairs of sisters: Mary Weiss and her sister Elizabeth “Betty” Weiss, along with twins Marguerite “Marge” Ganser and Mary Ann Ganser. The group first met in school and began performing at school dances and teen hops as teenagers.
After being signed by producer Artie Ripp to Kama Sutra Productions, the Shangri-Las gained immense success as a girl group with their tough, working-class image and emotionally charged songs that resonated with teenage dreams and heartbreak. Their name was inspired by a restaurant in Queens.
Chart-Topping Hits and Legacy
The Shangri-Las’ first major hit, “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” reached the top 5 on the Billboard charts in 1964 under the Red Bird Records label. Weiss, at just 15 years old, showcased her incredible talent on the track. The song, later covered by Aerosmith, was written by renowned pop songwriter-producer George “Shadow” Morton.
Morton played a pivotal role in shaping the Shangri-Las’ distinctive sound, blending Ronettes-style R&B with raw teenage emotions. One of their most iconic songs, “Leader of the Pack,” co-written by Morton, became the top Billboard single of 1965. The lyrics sung by Weiss resonated with audiences:
“My.
