Lesley Gore

Date of Birth: May 2, 1946

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: February 16, 2015

Biography

Lesley Gore was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and activist, best known for her hit singles during the 1960s. Born Lesley Sue Goldstein in Brooklyn, New York, she became a pop music sensation at the age of 16 with her chart-topping song “It’s My Party” in 1963. The song was produced by Quincy Jones and became an anthem for teenage heartbreak, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Gore followed up with a string of hits, including “Judy’s Turn to Cry,” “You Don’t Own Me,” “She’s a Fool,” and “That’s the Way Boys Are.” Apart from her music career, Lesley Gore was also an actress and a television personality. She appeared in films and TV shows, including the 1965 musical comedy “Girls on the Beach” and the 1967–1968 season of the Batman TV series, where she played the role of Pussycat, one of Catwoman’s minions. Throughout her career, she was known for her strong, independent persona, which resonated with many young women of her time. In addition to her entertainment career, Gore was an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and revealed in 2005 that she was a lesbian. She lived with her partner, Lois Sasson, a jewelry designer, for over 30 years until her death. Lesley Gore passed away from lung cancer on February 16, 2015, in New York City. She left behind a legacy of empowering music and advocacy, remembered as a trailblazing figure both in the music industry and in the fight for equality.

5 Interesting Facts about Lesley Gore

1. Lesley Gore’s breakthrough hit “It’s My Party” was recorded in just one take.

2. She was discovered by music producer Quincy Jones, who would later become one of the most influential producers in the music industry.

3. “You Don’t Own Me,” one of her biggest hits, became an anthem for the feminist movement and was reintroduced to new audiences in the 2010s through various media.

4. Gore was nominated for an Academy Award for co-writing the song “Out Here on My Own” from the 1980 movie “Fame.”

5. She hosted several episodes of the environmental TV series “In the Life,” which focused on LGBTQ+ issues.