For her, fame was not a paradise. But I didn't know that as a child.
Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the girl group the Shangri-La's, died January 19 at the age of 75. The announced cause of death was COPD. At the time of her death, she was working on a stage musical based on the Shangri-Las.
Growing up in the 50's and 60's in New York City, I fell in love with the Shangri-Las as soon as I heard their first hit song. Their music spoke to the pre-teen me.
Remember (Walking in the Sand), from 1964.
Mary Weiss was only 15, just a handful of years older than me. And she was born in Queens, the same as me.
The Shangri-Las were a group of four: Mary and her sister Betty Weiss, and Marge and Mary Ann Ganser, who were identical twins. They had met in elementary school and had already entered various talent contests. They weren't ready for the fame that song earned them.
I loved Mary's street tough voice. I loved the sound of the group's records, and the way they grabbed your emotions. Take, for example, I Can Never Go Home Anymore.
Mary Weiss said she was born into music, but music was not to be her life.
The group disbanded in 1968. By then, the group was facing some kind of litigation, I read. Mary Weiss left music, disillusioned. She went to work in the accounting department of an architectural firm.
In 2007, she returned to music. Here's one of her songs from that era, "Stop and Think It Over".
RIP, Mary Weiss. Your music will not be forgotten.
...I've always loved Girl Groups.
ReplyDeleteI liked her music. I had no idea what her story was.
ReplyDeleteI didnt' realize she was so young...also a fan. Awww....
ReplyDeleteSuch a distinctive voice and a soundtrack for several movies!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to an interesting woman!
ReplyDeleteHer music is good!
ReplyDeleteSuch fame can be a burden, especially if someone comes to it young. There's a reason why so many child stars end up with varying degrees of issues as adults.
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