Mary Weiss, the memorable voice of the 1960s girl group The Shangri-Las, died on Friday at the age of 75. Her powerful vocals and emotive delivery on chart-topping classics such as Leader of the Pack and One Fine Day solidified her legacy as a rock and roll legend and an inspiration to future generations of female performers.

Weiss, born Mary Ann Weiss in Queens, New York in 1944, joined The Shangri-Las with her younger sister Betty and two pals in the early 1960s.

Their music, which frequently addressed themes of adolescent anguish, heartbreak, and rebellion, struck a profound chord with young listeners. Songs like Give Us A Chance and The Boy became anthems for young women dealing with the difficulties of love and grief.

The Shangri-Las’ sound was distinctive, combining doo-wop harmonies with Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound production, resulting in a dramatic and emotional listening experience. Weiss’ honest and vulnerable vocals were the focal point of this sound, soaring over the sumptuous orchestration and conveying the raw emotions of teenage life.

Despite their initial success, The Shangri-Las split up in 1966 following a series of personal catastrophes.

However, their music continued to reach new audiences, influencing punk and riot grrrl bands in the following decades.

Weiss launched a solo career in the 1970s, releasing several albums and working with musicians such as The Ramones and Blondie. She also became a popular actress, starring in films such as Hairspray and I Shot Andy Warhol.