The Late Great Mary Weiss

While their success would be short-lived, The Shangri-Las proved to be one of the most influential singing groups of all time. Much of their success was due to the powerful vocals of Mary Weiss, who was only fifteen when their first hit, "Remember (Walking in the Sand)", was released. Mary Weiss would spend most of her life outside the music business and outside the public eye, but the years she spent as part of The Shangri-Las had an impact on popular music in a way that few others ever would. Sadly, Mary Weiss died yesterday, January 19 2024, at the age of 75.

Mary Weiss was born on December 28 1948 in New York City. She developed an interest in music when she was only five years old, and loved The Ink Spots. She began singing when she was very young as well, singing in her church's choir and in school plays.  Her brother George was eight years older than her, and a huge Elvis Presley fan. She listened to many of his records. Mary Weiss was a fan of The Everly Brothers and Neil Sedaka.

Mary Wiess attended Andrew Jackson High School in Queens. It as there that she, her older sister Betty Weiss, and twins Margie and Mary Ann Ganser formed their own vocal group. The group performed at talent shows and sock hops. Record producer Artie Ripp heard The group and worked out a record deal with Kama Sutra Records. It was at this point that they began calling themselves The Shangri-Las. Their first single, "Simon Says," was released on the Smash label, and featured Betty Weiss singing lead vocals. It failed to chart. Their second single, "Wishing Well," was released on Spokane Records. It also failed to chart.

Fortunately, The Shangri-Las were discovered by record producer and songwriter George "Shadow" Morton. In April 1964 their parents, the girls being minors, signed the group to Red Bird Records. The Shangri-Las then had their first hit, a song by Shadow Morton titled "Remember (Walking in the Sand)." The song peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their next single, "Leader of the Pack" (written by George "Shadow" Morton, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich), went to no. 1 on the chart. With their success The Shangri-Las performed with such artists as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Drifters, James Brown, Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders, Herman's Hermits, Del Shannon, and yet others.

Following "The Leader of the Pack," The Shangri-Las would have hits, both major and minor, with "Give Him a Great Big Kiss," "Give Us Your Blessings," "I Can Never Go Home Anymore," and "Long Live Our Love." Red Bird Records folded in 1966 and The Shangri-Las then signed with Mercury Records. Unfortunately, Mercury Records showed little interest in The Shangri-Las and Shadow Morton had started working with such artists as  Vanilla Fudge. The Shangri-Las then disbanded in 1968.

Afterwards Mary Weiss attended college while working as a secretary. She later worked in the architectural industry and eventually became the the chief purchasing agent for a large architectural firm. She later worked as a commercial interior designer and furniture installer in New York City.

For most of her later years Mary Weiss stayed away from performing music professionally. She sang back-up on Aerosmith's 1979 cover of "Remember (Walking in the Sand)." In 1989 The Shangri-Las reunited for a single show. In 2005 Mary Weiss recorded her only solo album, Dangerous Game, and toured to support it.

Mary Weiss had an utterly unique voice, one that was both powerful and emotive. It was perfectly suited to Shadow Morton's often overwrought lyrics, which covered everything from being jilted to teenage death to being in love with someone from the wrong side of the tracks. Mary Weiss's voice was different from that of any other lead singer of any other girl group, and it set The Shangri-Las apart from the rest.

Of course, The Shangri-Las' image differed from that of other girl groups. While other girl groups tended be demure, The Shangri-Las had a "tough girl" image. Other girl groups performed in gowns and pumps. The Shangri-Las wore less formal attire, even wearing leather, blue jeans, and boots. As it was, the lyrics to their songs set them apart from other groups. The Shangri-Las' songs dealt not with lost love or happy romances, but loneliness, abandonment, classism, and all around teenage angst. There was simply no other girl group like The Shangri-Las.

Ultimately, The Shangri-Las would have an impact that was farther reaching than many other groups. Their songs have been covered by artists from Aerosmith to Blondie to The New York Dolls to Twisted Sister. They would have an influence on the punk and New Wave movements, including such acts as Blondie, The Damned, The Dead Boys, Patti Smith, and The Ramones. The Shangri-Las may have been together for a short time, but they had a lasting impact. There can be no doubt Mary Weiss's voice was responsible for The Shangri-Las' success and continued influence.