Mary Weiss, the iconic lead singer of the groundbreaking girl group the Shangri-Las, has died at the age of 75, as reported by the BBC. Miriam Linna, founder of Norton Records, the record label associated with the group, confirmed the news and paid tribute to Weiss, calling her an inspiration to generations.

Weiss, who was born and raised in Queens, New York City, formed the Shangri-Las in 1963 with her sister Elizabeth, known as "Betty," and twins Mary Ann and Marguerite "Marge" Ganser during their time at Andrew Jackson High School. Their early performances caught the attention of record producer Artie Ripp, leading to a contract with Kama Sutra records and the recording of their debut song, "Simon Says," in the same year.

The Shangri-Las achieved their first major success in 1964 with the Billboard top 10 hit "Remember (Walking in the Sand)." They went on to release a string of hits that year, including "Give Him a Great Big Kiss" and "Maybe," but their most famous and beloved song was the heart-wrenching anthem "Leader of the Pack," which topped the charts. The track, known for its teenage tragedy theme, told the story of a girl who is forced to break up with her boyfriend, only for him to tragically die in a motorcycle accident.

"Leader of the Pack" became a timeless classic, inspiring numerous covers by artists such as Twisted Sister. It also found its place in pop culture, featuring in Martin Scorsese's acclaimed film "Goodfellas."

During their career, the Shangri-Las released two albums, "Leader of the Pack" and "The Shangri-Las '65!" before disbanding in 1968 due to legal difficulties. Despite their relatively short time together, the group performed alongside music icons like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and James Brown.

Following the group's breakup, Weiss ventured to San Francisco but eventually returned to New York. She maintained a lower profile until 2005 when she embarked on a solo career. In 2007, she released her debut album, "Dangerous Games," marking her return to the music scene.

While the Shangri-Las would reunite for various performances in the 1970s and a final show in 1989, Weiss remained mostly out of the spotlight. However, her impact as a trailblazing vocalist and her contribution to the girl group era of the 1960s will forever be cherished and remembered by music enthusiasts worldwide.

Mary Weiss leaves behind a lasting legacy with her powerful vocals and the timeless songs she created with the Shangri-Las. Her influence resonates across generations, and her music will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.