The Shangri-Las Lead Singer Mary Weiss Dead at 75: What Was Her Cause of Death?

Mary Weiss, the lead vocalist of the girl group Shangri-Las, has died. She was 75.

Norton Records - the company that released Weiss' only solo album, "Dangerous Game," in 2007 - confirmed the news to Rolling Stone and The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday, January 20, through Miriam Linna.

What Was Mary Weiss' Cause of Death?

Linna called Weiss "an icon, a hero, a heroine" to everyone whose music inspired people through the years.

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

On X, fans shared how devastated they are after hearing the news. They also remembered her career and legacy in their tribute messages for the late musician.

One said, "I'm absolutely fu****devastated to hear Mary Weiss has passed away at 75, far too young. If you don't know The Shangri-Las are by far my favourite pop group of alltime."

"We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Mary Weiss' passing. She and Ronnie were kindred spirits; two fearless bad girls of the 60's. Join us as we spin the Shangri-Las in her honor," another wrote.

"As a little girl in London, the Shangri-Las were up there with the Beatles and the Ronettes for me," one added. "Mary Weiss' voice on those amazing rebel teenage-drama classics has a permanent place in my memory. So sad she's gone."

Remembering Mary Weiss

Weiss joined her sister Elizabeth and the siblings Marge and Mary Ann Ganser in forming the Shangri-Las in the 1960s. The group released its first demo, "Remember (Walking in the Sand)," in 1964, which immediately became a hit.

The following year, Shangri-Las officially marked its debut through the album "Leader of the Pack." The girl group released more songs and the second album, "Shangri-Las=65!" before disbanding due to legal issues.

Over a decade before Weiss died, she told Rolling Stone how the group started because of music and ended in litigation.

Still, the girls marked their reunions in 1977 and 1989 before pursuing a solo career. She dropped her first and only solo album, "Dangerous Game," in 2007.

Details about her funeral and memorial remain unknown.