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Vassallo: Music Legend Lesley Gore Lost Too Soon
(Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Monday was a sad day for those of us growing up and singing “It’s My Party” in honor of Lesley Gore as the great performer died at age 68 with complications from cancer.
She had so many hits that it would be too lengthy to name them all, however, my favorite was and remains “Maybe I Know” which is one of the greatest melodies ever.
Below is a video by 957davidm:
Other blockbuster singles included “Judy’s Turn to Cry”; “You Don’t Own Me”; “She’s A Fool”; and “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.”
Lesley was so talented and first came on the national scene at age 16 in 1963 when she topped the charts. The Brooklyn-born, New Jersey raised vocalist was among a short list of the greatest female singers of all time. She actually was discovered by another music legend Quincy Jones.
In Nashville in 1990 was the last (and only) time I had ever seen her perform live. She headed a lineup which included a number of great performers that evening.
Acting was also among her talents. She appeared in “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” on Broadway and played Catwoman’s sidekick in the cult TV comedy “Batman.”
Lesley will be greatly missed, but will never be forgotten as the number of lollipops and rainbows she brought into our lives, not to mention the sunshine, was significant.
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. In addition, he is a certified economic and community developer and currently, a highly successful leader in the real estate business with Premier Properties of Oxford.You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at (985) 852-7745.
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Jim Hays
February 19, 2015 at 7:34 am
my 1st love was “big band”. After it died a few singers caught my attention and Leslie Gore was among the best! Thanks for this notice. I did not find it in my local papers or on T.V.. About the only “musicians” that get notice seems to be “rock stars” when they over-dose!
Juania Lester
February 19, 2015 at 4:15 pm
I did not know she had passed away. I am so sorry to hear that. I loved Leslie Gore’s, “You don’t Own me.” And after listening to the song on this site, I remember it and love it also. Steve, you always had such great music at your many functions in Madison!