Tribute to Mary Weiss, Leader of the Shangri-Las
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Weiss, the iconic leader of the Sixties New York band Shangri-Las. Mary Weiss, aged 75, left an indelible mark on the music industry and will be remembered as a true heroine of her generation.
News of Mary’s death was confirmed by Miriam Linna of Norton Records, the label that released Mary’s only solo album, “Dangerous Game,” in 2007. Linna expressed her admiration for Mary, describing her as an icon and a hero to both young men and women of all generations.
The music community mourns the loss of Mary Weiss, and the Instagram account for Ronnie Spector, co-founder of the Ronettes, shared a heartfelt tribute. It stated, “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Mary Weiss’ passing. She and Ronnie were kindred spirits; two fearless bad girls of the 60s. Join us as we spin the Shangri-Las in her honor.”
A Legacy of Teen Tragedies
One cannot talk about Mary Weiss without acknowledging the tremendous impact she had as the leader of the Shangri-Las. The group, consisting of Mary Weiss, Elizabeth “Betty” Weiss, Marguerite “Marge” Ganser, and Mary Ann Ganser, captured the essence of the early-Sixties trend for teen tragedies.
The Shangri-Las became known for their melodramatic songs, such as “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” “Give Him a Great Big Kiss,” and the unforgettable “Leader of the Pack,” which topped the charts in 1964. In fact, “Leader of the Pack” was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, securing its place at number 316.
A Life of Resilience and Comeback
After the Shangri-Las disbanded in 1968 due to legal issues, Mary Weiss faced many challenges. However, she persevered and eventually found her way back to the music industry. In a serendipitous encounter with Billy Miller, head of the Brooklyn indie label Norton, Mary’s comeback was set in motion.
Reflecting on her return to music, Mary shared her desire to blend the old with the new, embracing a mix of different styles and sounds. She wanted to create something fresh and meaningful, rather than simply rehashing past successes.
Mary Weiss left an enduring legacy, not only as the leader of the Shangri-Las but also as a symbol of resilience and artistic reinvention. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and fans alike.
Final Words
Although the cause of Mary Weiss’ death has not been disclosed, her passing leaves a void in the music industry. We remember her as a remarkable talent and a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of female artists.
The news of Mary’s death is a somber reminder of the fragility of life. Let us take a moment to honor her memory and celebrate the music she gifted to the world. Mary Weiss will forever be cherished as a true icon of the 1960s and beyond.
Rest in peace, Mary Weiss.
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