Ron Case/Getty Images
Mary Weiss, the former lead singer of the 1960s pop girl group The Shangri-Las, died Friday. She is said to be 75 years old.
Her husband, Ed Ryan, confirmed her death to NPR but did not provide any further information.
Weiss rose to fame as a teenager with The Shangri-Las, with hits about teenage love and tragedy, including “Remember (Walking in the Sand)” and “Leader of the Pack.”
The group consisted of two sisters, Mary Weiss and Betty Weiss, and twins Marge and Mary Ann Ganser, who first met in elementary school. Formed in the working-class New York City borough of Queens, the Shangri-Las' tough girl image helped set them apart from other girl groups.
Weiss was just 15 years old when she recorded the group's first hit, “Remember,” in 1964. As she said clear air Speaking to host Terry Gross in 2007, Weiss said she preferred tailored men's slacks to women's high-rise pants and chiffon dresses, but “never thought much about image.”
“I saw other groups that had money and support dressed up very well from the beginning. We were pretty much in casual clothes,” Weiss said. “But when I started making money, I started designing and producing my own clothes.”
In 1968, the group disbanded in the face of lawsuits. Weiss said that even decades later, he was unable to discuss it. She became disillusioned with her industry.
She said she got a job in the accounting department of an architecture firm and worked her way up to top purchasing agent. clear air.
Returned to the music industry with his solo debut album in 2007 dangerous game. For her comeback, Weiss kept up with the times. She created her own page on her social media platform her MySpace. New York magazine It was at that time that she discovered her desire for music and brought her new act to Austin's South by Southwest indie music festival.
Weiss told the magazine, “I just want to have fun now, and I will. People can take advantage of you when you're young.” “And they'll never do it again. Growing up has its advantages.”
“I remember Mary Weiss with much love and affection. She was the best thing,” Miriam Linna, who runs Weiss' record label, Norton Records, posted on Facebook.