Lesley Gore Dead at 68 – The Voice Behind “It’s My Party”
Lesley Gore, the iconic voice behind It’s My Party, passed away at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of empowering anthems that defined a generation.
The Life and Legacy of Lesley Gore
Lesley Gore was an American pop singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the early 1960s. She was just 16 years old when she recorded her breakout hit It’s My Party, which became a number-one single in 1963. With her strong vocals and relatable lyrics, Gore quickly became one of the most recognized voices of the era.
She followed up her initial success with other chart-topping songs, including Judy’s Turn to Cry, You Don’t Own Me, and Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows. Her hit You Don’t Own Me became an anthem for female empowerment, resonating with generations of women.
Beyond music, Gore was also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, openly coming out later in life. She worked as a songwriter and even hosted In the Life, a PBS series focused on LGBTQ+ issues. Her contributions to music and activism made her a lasting cultural icon.
The Passing of Lesley Gore
Lesley Gore passed away on February 16, 2015, at the age of 68.
She died at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan after battling lung cancer. Her passing was mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike, who remembered her as a trailblazing artist with an unforgettable voice.
Gore was laid to rest at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. Despite her passing, her music continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists.
Quotes
"“I wouldn’t go so far as to make ‘You Don’t Own Me’ a tango or ‘It’s My Party’ a hip-hop thing. Believe me, those things have been suggested to me. But I thought if I could stay true to the song, the arrangements would work. I’m really enjoying singing them.” (Lesley Gore)
"“You know, Quincy Jones was a great mentor, but he was a man in a man’s world. Fortunately he’s a very sensitive man and a beautiful human being, and even though he was 14 or 15 years older than me, he’s a capable human being and has great communication skills.” (Lesley Gore)
"“Actually, the funny thing is, after all these years, I’ve got all these new songs to learn for the show we’re doing at Joe’s Pub, so it’s kind of fun to get down and rehearse new things, and also rethink some of the older songs, how we’re going to do them.” (Lesley Gore)
"“I don’t know any other lifestyle. I get up in the morning and I really do feel that the world is my oyster, and I start that way, the same as I would if I were preparing to write a song: put a blank piece of paper up on the piano and you go for it.” (Lesley Gore)
"“I meet a lot of young people in the Midwest, and I saw what a difference a show like In the Life can make to their lives in some of these small towns where, you know, there are probably two gay people in the whole damn town.” (Lesley Gore)