Mary Weiss, Lead Singer of The Shangri-Las, Passes Away at 75
Mary Weiss, the talented lead singer of the iconic 1960s pop group the Shangri-Las, has sadly passed away at the age of 75. Her death occurred on Friday in Palm Springs, California, although the exact cause has not been disclosed. This news was first reported by Rolling Stone on Friday, leaving fans and music lovers around the world mourning the loss of a true legend.
A Remarkable Career and Legacy
The Shangri-Las, originally from the borough of Queens in New York City, consisted of two pairs of talented sisters: Mary Weiss and her sister Elizabeth “Betty” Weiss, as well as Marguerite “Marge” Ganser and Mary Ann Ganser, who were twins. The group formed during their teenage years and quickly gained popularity by performing at school dances and teen hops.
Under the guidance of producer Artie Ripp and signing with Kama Sutra Productions, the Shangri-Las achieved tremendous success as a girl group with their tough, working-class image. Their songs, filled with teenage dreams and heartbreak, captivated the airwaves in the mid-1960s. Interestingly, their name was inspired by a restaurant in Queens.
Their first major hit, “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” released in 1964 under Red Bird Records, reached the top 5 on the Billboard charts. It was an incredible accomplishment for Mary Weiss, who was just 15 years old at the time. The song, later covered by Aerosmith, was written by the renowned pop songwriter-producer George “Shadow” Morton.
George Morton played a pivotal role in shaping the Shangri-Las’ unique sound, combining elements of Ronettes-style R&B with powerful teenage emotions. One of their most beloved songs, “Leader of the Pack,” co-written by Morton, became the top Billboard single of 1965. Mary Weiss’s heartfelt vocals on the track resonated with listeners:
“My.
