Mary Weiss, the iconic lead singer of the ’60s girl group The Shangri-Las, has passed away at the age of 75. The sad news was confirmed by Miriam Linna from Norton Records in a statement provided to the BBC. Mary was a true icon and a hero for generations of both men and women. Her talent and unique voice made her an unforgettable figure in the music industry.
The Shangri-Las, founded in 1963, consisted of two groups of sisters from Queens. Mary and her sister Elizabeth, also known as Betty, were bandmates with twins Marguerite and Mary Ann Ganser. They all attended the same school in New York City. The group gained popularity with their distinctive sound and catchy songs, with “Leader of the pack” being one of their most well-known hits.
Their success caught the attention of producer Artie Ripp, who secured their first record deal. The group’s first recording, “Simon Says,” was released in 1963, followed by the iconic track “Leader of the pack” a year later. The song became so influential that it was eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
Unfortunately, the group disbanded in 1968. Tragedy struck when Mary Ann Ganser passed away in 1970 at the young age of 22. Despite this loss, the remaining members reunited in 1977 and worked on new material. However, they decided not to release anything, and the original group’s last performance took place in 1989 during a reunion show hosted by Cousin Brucie.
In 1996, another heartbreaking loss occurred when Marguerite Ganser lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 48. The passing of Mary Weiss has brought deep sadness, and many have paid tribute to her, including Ronnie Spector, the co-founder of the Ronettes. Ronnie Spector, who passed away in January 2022, referred to Mary as a kindred spirit and recalled their shared rebelliousness in the ’60s.
Mary Weiss had a different view on the perception of her bandmates as tough. She disagreed with this notion, stating that if one were to look at the old tapes, the word “tough” never came up. Perhaps it was the boots they wore that created that image. After The Shangri-Las disbanded, Mary pursued a career as an architect for over 30 years, working tirelessly for a New York City furniture dealership.
However, in 2004, she decided to make a change and leave her architectural career behind. Mary felt the need to regroup and reevaluate herself. She returned to her love of music, releasing a solo album in March 2007. During an interview with the Los Angeles Times, she expressed how reaching the age of 50 prompted her to reflect on her life and pursue her passion once again.
Mary Weiss’s journey was one of resilience and reinvention. She dedicated her life to both her professional career and her love for music. Her talent and contribution to the music industry will forever be remembered and cherished.
In conclusion, we mourn the loss of Mary Weiss, a true music icon. Her powerful voice and captivating performances will continue to inspire generations to come. Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Mary Weiss.
Source: vcmp.edu.vn.
