In a poignant turn of events, Mary Weiss, the formidable leader of the iconic 1960s New York band Shangri-Las, has passed away at the age of 75. Miriam Linna, associated with the Norton Records label that released Mary’s sole solo album, Dangerous Game, in 2007, confirmed her demise. Linna paid a heartfelt tribute, describing Mary as an icon and a hero, resonating with generations of both men and women.
The news of Mary Weiss’ departure prompted a touching response from the Instagram account of Ronnie Spector, co-founder of the renowned girl group, the Ronettes, who herself left us in January 2022. Alongside a poignant black-and-white photograph of Weiss, the caption expressed deep sorrow and acknowledged the kindred spirit shared by Mary and Ronnie during the rebellious era of the ’60s.
Also Read: Ustad Rashid Khan, maestro of classical music, dies at 55
The Shangri-Las etched their place in music history, capturing the essence of the early ’60s trend for teen tragedies. Weiss, along with Elizabeth “Betty” Weiss, Marguerite “Marge” Ganser, and Mary Ann Ganser, created a musical narrative of their melodramas with hits like “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” “Give Him a Great Big Kiss,” and the chart-topping 1964 anthem, “Leader of the Pack.” Last year, Rolling Stone acknowledged the latter as the 316th Greatest Song of All Time.
However, by 1968, the girl group disbanded due to legal complications, as detailed in a 2007 New York Magazine interview. Post-disbandment, Weiss relocated to San Francisco, where she eventually found herself working as a secretary at an architecture firm, as revealed in the same interview.
Weiss’ musical resurgence occurred in 2007, a serendipitous event triggered by a chance encounter with Billy Miller, head of Brooklyn indie label Norton. This encounter marked the beginning of her final solo album, a blend of new and old, showcasing her refusal to confine herself to past musical ventures.
Mary Weiss’ departure marks the end of an era, but her contributions to the music world, both as part of the Shangri-Las and in her solo endeavors, will forever resonate as a testament to her fearless spirit and musical prowess. As we bid farewell, let us join in spinning the timeless tunes of the Shangri-Las in Mary’s honor, celebrating the indelible mark she left on the world of music.