The Shangri-Las Artistfacts

1963-1968
Mary WeissLead vocals
Elizabeth "Betty" WeissVocals
Marguerite "Marge" GanserVocals1963-1967
Mary Ann Ganser Vocals
The Shangri-Las were a '60s girl group who were on the charts alongside The Crystals, The Dixie Cups, and of course, The Supremes. Unlike these groups, The Shangri-Las were white. They also leaned into tragedy in their songs, most notably on their biggest hit, "Leader Of The Pack," from 1964.
The group was comprised of two sets of sisters: Betty and Mary Weiss, and the identical twins Marge and Mary Ann Ganser. Betty was the oldest in the group and Mary the youngest. Mary was their lead singer, known for her dramatic delivery.
Although the Shangri-Las were a quartet, they made public appearances and posed for photos as a trio most of the time. However, all four members are featured on their recordings. When it came to touring and making public appearances, Mary and Marge were the two members who stayed active, while Mary Ann and Betty took turns (Betty was absent for the most part). In 1967, Marge left the group, leaving Mary, Mary Ann, and Betty to continue on, but the group disbanded just one year later.
When the group disbanded in 1968, it was the result of various legal entanglements. Weiss' mother signed the contract, and it prohibited her from singing for 10 years after the breakup. Weiss began working as a commercial interior designer, and was on her way to meet a client near the World Trade Center when the terrorist attacks occurred in 2001. Weiss finally returned to music in 2007 with her album Dangerous Game.
Mary Ann Ganser died of a drug overdose in 1970 at 22, and her sister Marge succumbed to breast cancer in 1996 at 48. Mary Weiss died in 2024 at 75, reportedly from pulmonary disease.

Comments: 3

Loretta G from FloridaI can’t remember the name of the song and using the lyrics I cannot find it. Begins:
This is your conscience speaking, I know it’s love your seeking, but are you sure it’s right, letting him dim the lights
What’s the name and what album was it on?
Hal Hurlbrink from Auburn,ma., MaI was 15,first job at a burger place..first album I ever bought with own $$...after a few pay checks bought Honda 65cc sport. Still looking for a girl like Mary,Betty or the twins!!! Hal,Auburn,Ma.
Danny from Hull, MaThe Shangri-las were a wonderful part of my youth experience. So sad to see that only 2 remain but I guess that is the inevitable life journey.

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