Lesley Gore, 1960's Hitmaker, Passes at 68

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(Feb. 16, 2015) -- We're saddened to report the passing of Lesley Gore in NYC from cancer at age 68. Her mid-1960's hits were brilliantly produced to blast out of six transistor AM radios as well as juke boxes, carrying lyrics laced with teenage angst.

"It's My Party (and I'll Cry if I Want To)" was produced by Quincy Jones. To hear it in its powerful AM radio mono mix (our preference), click below. Make sure and turn it up loud.

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Ms. Gore was from NYC and a major hitmaker nationwide. "It's My Party" was followed by "Judy's Turn to Cry" and "You Don't Own Me" which became a feminist anthem of sorts ["I'm not just one of your little toys...don't say I can't go with other boys."]

Marvin Hamlisch had his first hit with Ms. Gore's rendition of "Sunshine, Lolipops and Rainbows"...barely 90 seconds long (short even by AM radio standards.)

Ms. Gore was among the headliners (with The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Supremes and Jan and Dean) at the legendary T.A.M.I. Show in October 1964 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. (I continue to regret not having the allowance to take a bus and buy a ticket to get in.) To see Ms. Gore's performance, click below.

The house band for the T.A.M.I. show was the famed "Wrecking Crew" (studio musicians including drummer Hal Blaine, guitarist Glen Campbell and pianist Leon Russell.) A film about the "Wrecking Crew" is due out in March...and I'm saving my allowance for it.