Singer Lesley Gore, famous for '60s pop singles "It's My Party" and "You Don't Own Me," died in hospital earlier today (February 16) after a battle with lung cancer. She was 68 years old.
Gore's partner Lois Sasson confirmed the death today, explaining that Gore had passed away at New York University Langone Medical Center in Manhattan. "She was a wonderful human being — caring, giving, a great feminist, great woman, great human being, great humanitarian," Sasson said.
Born in Brooklyn in 1946, Gore's career was kick-started in the early '60s when, at 16, she recorded classic pop track "It's My Party" with producer Quincy Jones. The song, issued in 1963, was Gore's biggest hit, making it to No. 1 on both the U.S. pop and R&B singles charts. Her next biggest hit would be 1964's feminist anthem "You Don't Own Me," which charted at No. 2. The song was resurrected with Gore's consent in a PSA for women's voting rights during the 2012 U.S. presidential campaign.
Other memorable musical moments from Gore's career included the cheery "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows," from 1965 film Ski Party, "Judy's Turn to Cry" and "She's a Fool." The singer had also co-wrote "Out Here On My Own," from 1980 musical Fame, with her brother Michael. The composition was nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars that year.
After over 40 years in the industry, Gore delivered her final LP, Ever Since, in 2005.
Other credits include a turn as Catwoman's sidekick Pussycat in a pair of episodes Batman in 1967 and hosting episodes of PBS's LGBT program In the Life starting in 2004. The artist herself would come out in 2005.
Gore's partner Lois Sasson confirmed the death today, explaining that Gore had passed away at New York University Langone Medical Center in Manhattan. "She was a wonderful human being — caring, giving, a great feminist, great woman, great human being, great humanitarian," Sasson said.
Born in Brooklyn in 1946, Gore's career was kick-started in the early '60s when, at 16, she recorded classic pop track "It's My Party" with producer Quincy Jones. The song, issued in 1963, was Gore's biggest hit, making it to No. 1 on both the U.S. pop and R&B singles charts. Her next biggest hit would be 1964's feminist anthem "You Don't Own Me," which charted at No. 2. The song was resurrected with Gore's consent in a PSA for women's voting rights during the 2012 U.S. presidential campaign.
Other memorable musical moments from Gore's career included the cheery "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows," from 1965 film Ski Party, "Judy's Turn to Cry" and "She's a Fool." The singer had also co-wrote "Out Here On My Own," from 1980 musical Fame, with her brother Michael. The composition was nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars that year.
After over 40 years in the industry, Gore delivered her final LP, Ever Since, in 2005.
Other credits include a turn as Catwoman's sidekick Pussycat in a pair of episodes Batman in 1967 and hosting episodes of PBS's LGBT program In the Life starting in 2004. The artist herself would come out in 2005.