Shangri-Las' Lead Singer Mary Weiss Dies at 75

 

Mary Weiss, the frontwoman of the iconic Sixties band Shangri-Las, breathed her last at 75, a confirmation delivered by Miriam Linna of Norton Records. Linna, who released Mary's solo album "Dangerous Game" in 2007, hailed her as an icon and heroine, cherished across generations.

Ronnie Spector's Instagram, co-founder of the Ronettes, shared a heartfelt tribute, noting the deep connection between Mary and Ronnie as kindred spirits of the rebellious '60s. The post included a poignant black-and-white photo of Weiss, and the caption invited everyone to spin the Shangri-Las in her honor.

Pop singer Sky Ferreira joined the chorus of remembrance, calling Mary Weiss a perpetual inspiration. Growing up in Queens, Mary and her sister Betty, alongside twins Marge and Mary Ann Ganser, formed the quartet that would become the Shangri-Las. Their journey began with local talent shows, leading them to producer George "Shadow" Morton in 1964. Favors called in, the group recorded their first demo, "Remember (Walking in the Sand)."

The Shangri-Las rode the wave of early-Sixties teen tragedies, capturing melodramas in songs like "Give Him a Great Big Kiss" and the 1964 chart-topper "Leader of the Pack." In 2021, Rolling Stone honored the latter by placing it at number 316 on the list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Reflecting on her past in a 2007 interview with Rolling Stone, Mary Weiss recounted performing at a Texas show booked by James Brown. Her appearance surprised the legendary artist, who hadn't realized she was white. Recollections also surfaced about the group's disbandment in 1968, mired in legal issues that shifted the focus from music to litigation. Mary's inability to record for a decade stemmed from unfavorable contracts her mom had signed.

After the Shangri-Las disbanded, Mary relocated to San Francisco but eventually returned to New York. She found herself working at an architecture firm specializing in commercial interiors. A chance encounter with Billy Miller, head of the Brooklyn indie label Norton, reignited her musical journey. This encounter paved the way for Mary's final solo album in 2007, marking her comeback to the studio. She expressed feeling at home, reigniting her passion for recording after four decades away from the public eye. Mary Weiss, a resilient figure in music, left an indelible mark on the soundscape of the Sixties, and her legacy continues to inspire.

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