Mary Weiss of the Shangri-Las Dies at 75

Iconic 1960s girl group singer Mary Weiss, known for her role as the lead vocalist of the Shangri-Las, passed away at the age of 75. The group captivated the hearts of fans with their teenage drama-filled hits like Remember (Walking in the Sand) and Leader of the Pack. Weiss, only 15 at the release of her first record, found herself needing a firearm for self-defense due to the intense attention her fame attracted by the time she was 16.

Early Beginnings and Rise to Fame

The Shangri-Las, comprised of Mary Weiss, her sister Betty, and their friends Mary Ann and Marge Ganser, started out performing on the streets of Queens, New York, and at local dances. Their signature look was transformed from chiffon dresses to leather and jeans under the guidance of music producer George 'Shadow' Morton. They quickly rose to stardom with their blend of lush vocals layered over dynamic sound effects in their songs, landing them chart-topping hits and positions as the most renowned girl group of their time.

Stardom and Challenges

In their prime, the Shangri-Las toured with big names like the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and James Brown. However, the group also faced controversies and challenges, including radio bans of their music and the harsh realities of fame. Weiss's purchase of a gun at the age of 16 underscored their loss of privacy and safety concerns. The group's contractual issues ultimately led to a lifelong tangle of legal strife that overshadowed their musical careers. After disbanding in 1968, Weiss briefly flirted with the hippie scene before returning to a more conventional lifestyle in New York.

Legacy and Later Life

Despite the group's split and the early passing of two members, Mary Weiss made a solo comeback in 2007 with an album that paid homage to her past. In her later years, she fondly recounted memories from her peak, including an amusing anecdote about a food fight at Dusty Springfield's house. Weiss's influence and the Shangri-Las' imprint on the music industry persisted, as did her passion for music, despite the toll taken by fame and legal battles. Weiss is survived by her third husband, leaving behind a legacy of powerful vocals, timeless hits, and a trailblazing presence as a female artist in the 60s rock and pop scene.

singer, obituary, legacy