Lesley Gore dies

Lesley Gore has passed away.

The singer, who is behind legendary 60s anthem It's My Party, died at the age of 68 in Manhattan at the New York University Langone Medical Center on Monday after battling lung cancer.

Her partner of 33 years, jewellery designer Lois Sasson, was by Lesley's side in her final days and will miss her tremendously.
"She was a wonderful human being — caring, giving, a great feminist, great woman, great human being, great humanitarian," Lois told The Associated Press.

Lesley's anthem It's My Party was produced by Quincy Jones and the song quickly reached the top of US pop and R&B charts when it was released in April 1963. The tune is considered to be a classic musical representation of existential teenage angst and people across the world know the lyrics, "It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to / Cry if I want to, cry if I want to / You would cry too if it happened to you", by heart.

This wasn't Lesley's only iconic hit in her career though. She is also responsible for feminist anthem You Don't Own Me, which hit record shelves in December 63. Lesley was only 17 years old when these pivotal songs reached airwaves.

Lesley is also known for her work in the LGBT community. In a 2005 interview with After Ellen, the songstress confirmed she had been openly gay for a long time.

"Well, you know, it's funny. I just never found it was necessary [to come out publicly] because I really never kept my life private. Those who knew me, those who worked with me were well aware," Lesley said. "Well, I don't think I went to lengths [to conceal my sexuality]. I just kind of lived my life naturally and did what I wanted to do."







A number of her friends and colleagues also have written their thoughts on Twitter and Facebook:

Neil Sedaka:

I am saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Lesley Gore. I fondly remember attending her Sweet Sixteen party in New Jersey. She was a great person and a phenomenal talent, who had opened for me on many occasions. She recorded a few of my songs ("Magic Colors" and "Summer Symphony") and was a great songwriter in her own right. I'm glad I had the chance of knowing her.

Ronnie Spector:

I am shocked to hear of Lesley Gore's passing.

We knew each other for 52 years. The first time we met, 1963 at the Brooklyn Fox Theatre.

Lesley was the one artist from the early 60's that I regularly would bump into at an event or out on the road.

We were together 3 months ago at the Alzheimer's Association fundraiser at the Waldorf. She came to my 'Beyond the Beehive' show when it was in NYC, and that meant the world to me. Of course it is nice when someone you came up with in the business is complimentary, but it was special cause Lesley was so ahead of her time. You Don't Own Me was such a heavy song, she really made it into an anthem, more than what it was when it was a hit in the 60's. But that was Lesley. A few years back we did a co-bill together. She sat down at the piano and played this touching song, just her voice and piano. She was an artist. She had a joyful sound, a ton of hits, so much a part of the 1960's, but Lesley was so much more than that. I am going to miss her terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Brian Wilson:

I'm sad to hear about Lesley Gore passing away. She sang sweetly and her songs bring back great memories. Love and Mercy, Brian.

Jill Sobule:

I will miss you so much Lesley Gore.

She was so kind, unpretentious, smart as a whip, universally beloved and...could sing. #lesleygore I am blessed to have been your friend.

Darlene Love:

Sad to hear that Lesley Gore passed away today. :(

Reba McEntire:

Lesley Gore passed today. Loved her!!! #RIP.

Kansas:

RIP Lesley Gore. "It's My Party" was written by Wally Gold who played a not so small part in the history of KANSAS.

Kate Taylor:

Rest in Peace l'il Miss Leslie Gore.
Thank you for all the great tunes.
It's your party and you can do what ever you want.

Howie Mandel:

R I P Leslie gore. A big part of my career

Billboard has also published their list of the top ten singles by Leslie Gore:

It's My Party (1963)
You Don't Own Me (1964)
She's a Fool (1963)
Judy's Turn to Cry (1963)
California Nights (1967)
That's the Way Boys Are (1964)
Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows (1965)
Maybe I Know (1964)
Look of Love (1965)
My Town, My Guy and Me (1965)