'Prayers to family': Internet mourns as Shangri-Las singer Mary Weiss found dead at 75

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA: In a somber turn of events, Mary Weiss, renowned as the lead vocalist of the iconic band Shangri-Las, has left the world at the age of 75.

The news of her demise was confirmed by a representative from Norton Records, her label, to PEOPLE on Saturday. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.

Iconic Shangri-Las lead vocalist Mary Weiss is dead

Miriam Linna from Norton Records expressed, "It was a joy and an honor to work with Mary on her solo/comeback album, which were her last records." Linna added, "She was as charming and charismatic as an adult as she was as a teenage idol. A true star."

Mary Weiss, a native of Queens, New York, gained prominence as the lead singer of the Shangri-Las during the early 1960s. The band achieved immense success with chart-topping hits such as 'Leader of the Pack,' 'Great Big Kiss,' and 'Heaven Only Knows.'

At just 15 years old, Weiss secured her first record deal with the Shangri-Las, formed alongside her sister Betty and classmates, twins Mary-Ann and Marguerite Ganser, in 1963.

The group's debut single, 'Simon Says,' marked the beginning of their musical journey, and they later achieved significant success with the 1964 hit 'Remember (Walking in the Sand).'

The Shangri-Las, considered among the trending teen groups of their era, left an indelible mark on the music scene. Their songs, including 'Remember (Walking in the Sand),' continue to resonate and have become popularly sampled on platforms like TikTok, where the iconic chorus performed by Mary Weiss is frequently featured in various skits.

The band toured alongside legendary acts like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. However, legal issues led to the Shangri-Las' split in 1968, preventing Weiss from recording elsewhere for the next decade.

After reunions with the Shangri-Las in 1977 and 1989, Mary Weiss embarked on a solo career, releasing her first and only solo album, 'Dangerous Game,' with Norton Records in 2007.

Reflecting on her solo journey, Weiss expressed, "Initially, I didn’t know how I’d feel about recording again, but when I walked back into the studio, I felt like I was home."

Internet mourns death of musical legend

The recent passing of Mary Weiss, lead vocalist of the legendary band Shangri-Las, has left the music community and fans in mourning. Tributes are pouring in, commemorating Weiss's impactful contribution to the world of music.

As the internet reflects on the loss of this musical legend, one thing remains certain – Weiss's legacy is destined to endure through the timeless melodies she created.

Expressions of sorrow and condolences have flooded in from fans and the music community alike. One user expressed, "Sad, prayers to the family," while another conveyed their deepest condolences to Mary's family. The comment reads, "Deepest condolences to Mary’s family." 

The heartfelt sentiment continued with comments such as "I love that song! RIH pretty lady." 

A fourth user wrote, "Beautiful Woman."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.