The Shangri-Las Member Mary Weiss Dies At 75
The Shangri-Las (Betty, Mary Ann, Marge & Mary) (By http://themusicsover.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/shangrilas.jpg, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22392224)
NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) – Mary Weiss, the former lead singer of 1960s girl group The Shangri-Las, passed away on Friday, January 19. The news of her death was confirmed by Miriam Linna at Norton Records. The details surrounding her death have not been disclosed. She was 75 years old.
Miriam Linna said, “Mary was an icon, a hero, a heroine, to both young men and women of my generation and all generations.”
The Shangri-Las rose to stardom with their hit songs about teenage love and tragedy, such as “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” which featured Billy Joel on piano, and “Leader of the Pack.” The group, consisting of two sets of sisters, Mary and Elizabeth (Betty) Weiss, and twins Marguerite (Marge) and Mary Ann Ganser (Mary Ann), hailed from the borough of Queens in New York City and first met in elementary school. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Mary Weiss was just 15 years old when the group recorded their first hit in 1964. Their talent and presence led them to be chosen as the opening act for The Rolling Stones on their second US tour in 1964. They also had the opportunity to perform with the Beatles, The Drifters, Herman’s Hermits, James Brown, and other iconic artists. However, due to legal entanglements resulting from unfavorable contracts, Mary quit the group at the age of 18, leading to their disbandment in the same year.
After the group disbanded, Betty had a daughter and now resides in Long Island. Mary Ann tragically passed away in March 1970 from a reported drug overdose caused by encephalitis. Marge returned to school and worked for NYNEX before succumbing to breast cancer in 1996.
The official Instagram account for Ronnie Spector, co-founder of the Ronettes who passed away in January 2022, posted a tribute to Mary, expressing deep sadness at her passing. “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.”
Throughout her life, Mary Weiss worked in various professions, including secretary, accountant, chief purchasing agent, and owned a commercial furniture dealership. She also pursued a career in interior design. In 2007, Mary made a musical comeback with her debut solo album, Dangerous Game, released via Norton Records.
She is survived by her husband, Ed Ryan.
RIP.
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