Mary Weiss, ‘Shangri-Las’ lead vocalist dies at 75
Miriam Linna, the American drummer associated with Norton Records, has officially confirmed the passing of Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the iconic 1960s girl group, the Shangri-Las. Born in Queens, New York, Weiss co-founded the Shangri-Las in the early 1960s alongside her sister Elizabeth and two other siblings, Marge and Mary Ann Ganser. At the age of 75, Mary Weiss has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Mary Weiss
The news of Weiss’s passing was conveyed by Miriam Linna to Rolling Stone, affirming the loss of a musical luminary. Norton Records played a significant role in preserving Weiss’s musical legacy by releasing her sole solo album, ‘Dangerous Game,’ in 2007. Linna, reflecting on Weiss’s impact, described her as an “icon, a hero, a heroine” for multiple generations.
The Shangri-Las, spearheaded by Mary Weiss, etched their place in music history with memorable hits like ‘Leader of the Pack’ and ‘Remember (Walking in the Sand),’ both of which found resonance in the works of subsequent artists, including Aerosmith. The band’s initial demo, ‘Remember (Walking in the Sand),’ written by George ‘Shadow’ Morton, swiftly rose to popularity upon its release in 1964.
‘Leader of the Pack,’ another iconic release from 1964, claimed the number-one spot on music charts, solidifying the Shangri-Las’ prominence. These hits, along with others like ‘Give Him a Great Big Kiss,’ were featured on their debut album, alternatively titled ‘Leader of the Pack,’ published in 1965. Subsequently, the group released a follow-up album, ‘Shangri-Las-65!’ in the same year, showcasing their musical versatility.
Despite their musical success, the Shangri-Las faced legal challenges, leading to their eventual disbandment. Weiss, reflecting on the journey, remarked to Rolling Stone in 2007 that the group’s trajectory shifted from a focus on music to being entangled in legal battles.
In 2007, Weiss experienced a triumphant return to the music scene with the release of ‘Dangerous Game,’ marking her first musical endeavor in over four decades. Expressing her sentiments about re-entering the studio, Weiss noted, “Initially, I didn’t know how I’d feel about recording again, but when I walked back into the studio, I felt like I was home.”
Mary Weiss’s musical journey, from the iconic era of the Shangri-Las to her solo comeback, leaves an enduring legacy that resonates through the annals of rock and pop history. Her contributions to the industry and her distinctive voice have left an indelible imprint that will continue to be celebrated by music enthusiasts worldwide.
