Mary Weiss, Lead Vocalist of the Shangri-Las, Passes Away at 75
Mary Weiss, the lead vocalist of the iconic 1960s girl group the Shangri-Las, has sadly passed away at the age of 75. The news of her death was confirmed by Miriam Linna, the owner of Norton Records label, which released Weiss’ final solo album, Dangerous Game, in 2007. Linna described Weiss as a star in the rock ‘n’ roll industry, and her loss is deeply felt by all who admired her.
On Friday, the official Instagram account of Ronnie Spector, the late Ronettes songstress, announced Weiss’ passing and expressed their condolences. The post mentioned that Weiss and Ronnie shared a special bond as kindred spirits, both being fearless bad girls of the 60s. They also urged fans to join them in honoring Weiss by listening to the Shangri-Las’ music.
The announcement on Instagram received an outpouring of love and support from fans of the ’60s girl groups. Many shared their favorite Shangri-Las tracks and expressed their sadness at the news of Weiss’ passing. One fan emphasized that Weiss was not just a singer, but a true performer, highlighting her immense talent and stage presence.
The Shangri-Las, comprised of Mary Weiss, her sister Betty Weiss, and twins Marge and Mary Ann Ganser, first gained popularity in 1965 after captivating audiences with their performances at local high school talent shows. Although they experienced a heartbreaking loss when Mary Ann passed away in 1970 at just 22 years old, the group reunited in 1989 for their final performance. Their timeless hit song “Leader of the Pack” was rightfully honored by The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
One of their most well-known songs, “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” released in 1964, was later covered by Aerosmith in 1979 and the Go-Go’s in a punk rendition on their 1994 compilation album, Return to the Valley of The Go-Go’s.
Mary Weiss, originally from Queens, New York, was the last surviving member of the Shangri-Las. The group’s music was adored by fans worldwide, with hits like “Remember,” “Give Him a Great Big Kiss,” and the chart-topping track “Leader of the Pack.” Their unique sound and captivating performances left an indelible mark on the music industry.
At this time, the cause of Mary Weiss’ passing has not been disclosed. As we mourn the loss of this talented artist, let us remember her incredible contributions to music and the lasting impact she has had on generations of fans. Mary Weiss will forever be remembered as the voice of the Shangri-Las, a true legend in the world of rock ‘n’ roll.
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