Today we mourn the loss of Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the iconic girl group, the Shangri-Las. Known for their hits like 'Leader of the Pack,' 'Great Big Kiss,' 'Remember (Walking in the Sand),' and 'Heaven Only Knows,' the Shangri-Las were at the forefront of the girl group era in the early 1960s. Mary Weiss, with her distinct voice and captivating stage presence, was the focal point of the group's sound and image.
Mary Weiss's death was confirmed by Miriam Linna of Norton Records, who released Weiss' only solo album in 2007. At 75 years old, no cause of death has been cited. Linna described Weiss as an icon and a hero to generations of young men and women. Together with the Ronettes, the Shangri-Las epitomized the essence of the girl group era. Their impact was profound, despite their heyday spanning a brief period from 1964 to 1965.
The Shangri-Las left an indelible mark with their catalog of killer pop songs written by George 'Shadow' Morton, Ellie Greenwich, and Jeff Barry, and produced by Morton. Their pioneering work in the teen-death subgenre was exemplified by the iconic 'Leader of the Pack,' which became a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and inspired countless imitations. Their songs explored star-crossed relationships with bad boys, containing a subtle yet passionate sexuality that was revolutionary for the time.
Although the British Invasion and the rise of '60s rock music eventually overshadowed the girl group sound, the Shangri-Las left a lasting impression. Their influence extended to the punk rock movement, with the New York Dolls covering 'Great Big Kiss' and championing the Shangri-Las. Even Blondie, led by Deborah Harry, who drew inspiration from girl groups, included Ellie Greenwich on backing vocals on their debut album.
Mary Weiss was born and raised in Queens, New York City. She and her sister Betty attended the same high school as their future bandmates, Mary-Ann and Margie Ganser. It was in 1963 that they began performing at local nightclubs and caught the attention of producer Artie Ripp, leading to their first record deal with Kama Sutra. However, their breakthrough came when 'Shadow' Morton approached them to record his song 'Remember (Walking in the Sand).' The song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1964 and propelled the group into the spotlight.
The Shangri-Las experienced superstardom with performances alongside the Beatles, tours with the Rolling Stones, and appearances on popular TV shows of the era. Hits like 'Leader of the Pack,' 'Give Him a Great Big Kiss,' and 'Out in the Streets' solidified their tough yet vulnerable image, representing the teenage spirit of New York City.
Mary Weiss and the Shangri-Las were not afraid to challenge the norms of the time. As songwriter Ellie Greenwich noted, they had a street toughness combined with vulnerability that set them apart from other girl groups. Their rebellious attitude and unique style resonated with audiences, making them unforgettable.
Though the Shangri-Las experienced lineup changes and eventually disbanded in 1968, they briefly reunited in 1976 under the guidance of Sire Records. Unfortunately, they were dissatisfied with the recorded material, which remains unreleased. Throughout the years, they sporadically regrouped for tours, while Mary Weiss pursued a solo career. In 2007, she released her only solo album, 'Dangerous Game,' which was supported by a tour.
Mary Weiss remained a reclusive figure, often reflecting on the challenges faced by teenage girls in the sexist music industry of the 1960s. Her experiences, along with those of other women from the era, are chronicled in the definitive oral history 'But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?,' published in 2023.
Today, we say goodbye to Mary Weiss, a true musical icon. Her contributions to the girl group era and her powerful voice will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.
