Mary Weiss, the renowned lead singer of the influential girl group the Shangri-Las, has sadly passed away at the age of 75, according to Miriam Linna of Norton Records. Linna, who released Weiss' solo album in 2007, described her as an icon and a hero to generations of music enthusiasts. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.

Born and raised in Queens, New York City, Mary Weiss formed the Shangri-Las during her high school years in 1963, along with her sister Betty Weiss and twins Mary Ann Ganser and Margie Ganser. Their talent quickly caught the attention of record executive Artie Ripp, who signed them to his label, Kama Sutra. The quartet, known for their distinct sound, gained popularity with their debut song "Simon Says," which was followed by an array of chart-topping hits.

At just 16 years old, the Shangri-Las achieved their first major success with the melancholic single "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" in 1964, which reached No. 5 on the Billboard charts. Their career continued to soar with 11 more charting singles, including the iconic "Leader of the Pack," "Give Him a Great Big Kiss," "Out in the Streets," and "I Can Never Go Home Anymore." Despite their success, the group only released two studio albums in their career, "Leader of the Pack" and "Shangri-Las-65!," both in 1965.

Known for their unique approach, the Shangri-Las used their songs to explore themes beyond love and heartbreak. Their music delved into suburban boredom, loss of innocence, and various aspects of death, resonating deeply with audiences. "Leader of the Pack," their most famous single, topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame years later. The song's portrayal of teenage tragedy and forbidden love struck a chord with listeners and remained relevant through the years, even making an appearance in Martin Scorsese's film "Goodfellas."

Mary Weiss was renowned for her emotionally charged performances, reflecting her personal experiences. In a 2001 interview, she shared that the recording studio was a space where she could unleash her emotions freely, resulting in authentic and moving performances. Following the disbandment of the Shangri-Las in 1968, Weiss embarked on a different career path, briefly living in San Francisco before returning to New York. Despite occasional reunions with the group in the 1970s, Weiss pursued various professions, including working as a chief purchasing agent, managing a furniture store, and becoming an interior designer.

After a long hiatus from the music industry, Weiss made a comeback in 2005 and embarked on a solo career. Her debut solo album, "Dangerous Game," was released in 2007 with the support of rock band the Reigning Sound. Weiss embarked on a tour to promote the album and even made a television appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, marking her return to the stage after decades.

In the wake of Mary Weiss's passing, musicians and fans alike have shared heartfelt tributes on social media. Esteemed artists such as Garbage, Sky Ferreira, Tim Burgess, Bobby Lee, and the Go! Team have paid their respects to the influential singer. Stevie Van Zandt, in particular, highlighted the impact of the Shangri-Las on empowering young girls and their contributions to the world of music.

Mary Weiss leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the leading voices of the 1960s girl group era and will be remembered for her incredible talent and the emotional depth she brought to her performances.