Mary Weiss, the popular lead singer of the 1960s pop group The Shangri-Las, known for their hit songs including “Leader of the Pack,” passed away on January 19, 2024, in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 75. The news of her passing was confirmed by Miriam Linna, founder of Norton Records, the label to which Weiss was signed. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Born in Queens, New York, Mary Weiss rose to fame as the frontwoman of The Shangri-Las, a group she formed with her sister Betty Weiss and twins Marge Ganser and Mary Ann Ganser. The group, known for their dramatic performances and songs about teenage angst and romance, began their journey performing at school dances and teen hops in Queens.
Their breakthrough came after signing with Kama Sutra Productions, where they worked with producer Artie Ripp. Their first major Billboard chart hit, “Remember Walking in the Sand,” reached the top 5 in 1964, a notable achievement considering Weiss was just 15 years old at the time. The song, later covered by Aerosmith, was written by pop songwriter-producer George “Shadow” Morton.
Morton played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of The Shangri-Las, blending elements of R&B with vividly emotional teenage narratives. He co-wrote their 1965 single “Leader of the Pack,” which became the top Billboard single of the year. However, the group’s success was short-lived. They disbanded in 1968 amidst legal battles and contractual issues, marking the end of an era in girl group music.
In a 2007 interview at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Weiss talked about the group’s legacy and the broader music industry. She pointed out the gender disparities in recognition of artistic merit, noting how men were often considered artists while women were viewed more as products.
Following the group’s disbandment, Weiss moved away from the limelight. She relocated to San Francisco and pursued a career outside the music industry, working for years at an architectural firm. Forty years later Weiss returned to music, releasing her solo debut album “Dangerous Game” in 2007. In this album, Weiss recaptured the spirit of The Shangri-Las but with a mature perspective. In a conversation with New York magazine, she expressed her desire to enjoy her music career without the exploitation she experienced in her youth.
Mary Weiss’s journey with The Shangri-Las left a lasting impact on the music scene, influencing subsequent punk and garage rock acts. The group’s style and themes of teen tragedy in their songs differentiated them from other girl groups of their time. Weiss, in particular, was known for her distinctive voice and stage presence, which made her a standout figure in the pop music landscape of the 1960s.
Despite the legal challenges and personal tragedies that plagued the group — including the deaths of Mary Ann Ganser from a drug overdose in 1970 and Marge Ganser from breast cancer in 1996 — The Shangri-Las’ legacy endures. They are remembered not only for their chart-topping hits but also for their influential image and the emotional depth of their music.
Weiss’ death marks the end of an era, as she was the last surviving original member of The Shangri-Las. Her contributions to the world of music, her distinctive voice, and her role in pioneering the all-female group format in pop music will continue to be celebrated by fans and music historians alike.
