Mary Weiss, Lead Singer of 1960s Pop Group the Shangri-Las, Dies at 75
Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the 1960s pop group the Shangri-Las, known for their hit song “Leader of the Pack,” has passed away at the age of 75. Miriam Linna, founder of Weiss’ label, Norton Records, confirmed the sad news on Sunday. Weiss died in Palm Springs, California on Friday, although the cause of 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. They began their musical journey as teenagers, performing at school dances and teen hops. After being signed by producer Artie Ripp to Kama Sutra Productions, the Shangri-Las quickly rose to fame as a girl group with a tough, working-class image. Their songs, filled with teen dreams and heartbreak, captured the attention of mid-1960s radio stations.
Their first major hit, “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” reached the top 5 on the Billboard charts in 1964 under the Red Bird Records label. At just 15 years old, Weiss’s talent shone through on this track, which was later covered by Aerosmith. The song was written by Brill Building pop songwriter-producer George “Shadow” Morton, who played a crucial role in shaping the Shangri-Las’ unique sound. The group’s most iconic song, “Leader of the Pack,” co-written by Morton, became the top Billboard single of 1965.
A Lasting Legacy
Although the Shangri-Las disbanded in 1968 due to legal issues, they left an indelible mark on the music industry as a pioneering all-female group. Mary Weiss, reflecting on the challenges faced by women in the industry, stated in a 2007 interview at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, “I truly believe a lot of men were considered artists, whether or not people wrote for them, whereas women were considered products.”
Following the group’s breakup, Weiss moved to San Francisco and stepped away from the music business. She spent many years working at an architectural firm before returning to her musical roots four decades later. In 2007, Weiss released her debut solo album, “Dangerous Game,” which showcased her mature perspective and rekindled the spirit of the Shangri-Las.
Speaking about her post-Shangri-Las years, Weiss confessed to Rolling Stone in 2007, “I didn’t even sing along to the car radio. When I put something down, I really put it down.” However, with “Dangerous Game,” Weiss proved that she still had the ability to captivate audiences with her powerful voice and evocative lyrics.
Despite the passage of time, Mary Weiss remained passionate about her music and expressed her desire to have fun and enjoy life. She believed that there were advantages to being a grown-up and no longer allowing others to take advantage of her youthful naivety.
The music industry mourns the loss of Mary Weiss, a talented and influential artist whose contributions will always be remembered. She leaves behind a lasting legacy as the lead singer of the Shangri-Las and as a solo artist who continued to inspire with her music.
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