Celebrity Tributes!
Dionne Warwick Lesley was a friend and her energetic spirit will be missed. My condolences go out to her family. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Official Ed Sullivan Site (SOFA Entertainment)
RIP Lesley Gore (1946-2015) The Ed Sullivan and SOFA Entertainment are deeply saddened by singer Lesley Gore’s passing. Born Lesley Sue Goldstein on May 2nd 1946 in Brooklyn, NY, Lesley got her start at only 16 years old, after being discovered by producer Quincy Jones in 1963. Gore recorded her first hit “It’s My Party” soon after signing with Mercury Records, where Jones was an A&R man. The song immediately became a success and overnight Lesley Gore turned into a star. “It’s My Party” raced to No. 1 on the charts, was nominated for a Grammy and sold more than 1 million copies. Over the next two years, while still in high school, Gore released a string of so called bubble-gum hits such as “That’s the Way Boys Are,” “She’s a Fool,” “Maybe I Know,” “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” and “You Don’t Own Me.” “You Don’t Own Me,” an unapologetic declaration that women are not objects that men can possess and control, became a prominent feminist anthem as a generation was coming of age in the mid-1960s.
Lesley Gore had become a teenage sensation before the end of 1963. Ed Sullivan would not have missed an opportunity to have her on his show. On October 13th, 1963, Lesley Gore appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time. That night a young Lesley, wearing a long sleeveless but conservative silk dress, performed her new hit singles “It’s My Party” and “She’s a Fool.” The teenage sweetheart, returned to the Sullivan stage a year and a half later on January 31st, 1965 to perform “Look of Love” and “Hello Young Lovers.” Lesley, Gore was invited back to the show four years later on June 1969. This time, a more grown Lesley sang “I Could’ve Danced All Night” from the Broadway classic My Fair Lady and a cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman.” On April 26th, 1970, Lesley made one last appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show with “Cry Me A River” and The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” Lesley Gore’s appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show were key in transmitting her stance as a role model for millions of teenage girls across the country.
By the end of the 1960’s, the psychedelic music scene was making its way in, and Gore slowed her career down as she continued her higher education at Sarah Lawrence College. After college, as the 1970’s progressed, Lesley Gore began to explore other creative avenues and moved out of the spotlight to pursue songwriting. In 1972, Gore released a new album since 1967. Entitled Someplace Else Now, which reflected her evolution as a songwriter and as person. She followed it with Love Me By Name in 1976 and The Canvas Can Do Miracles in 1982. She also composed songs for the 1980 film Fame, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for “Out Here on My Own,” co-written with her brother Michael.
Not only does Lesley Gore hold an important place in music history and pop culture, but she also played a key role as an activist for women’s rights and gay issues. Most recently, Gore had been working on a stage adaptation of her life.
Lesley Gore was undoubtedly an icon to young women in the 1960s with hits that expressed the frustrations of being a teenager. “It’s My Party” remains popular to this day and “You Don’t Own Me” still holds lessons for girls in the 21st century. SOFA Entertainment loved her dearly and until very recently kept a close and special relationship with her. She will be greatly missed but the legacy of her music will continue to live on for decades to come. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Quincy Jones I am heartbroken at the news today of the passing of Lesley Gore. I discovered Lesley, almost on a dare, in 1963 when she was 16 years old and I was Vice President of Mercury Records and we would go on to make 16 hit songs together including "It's My Party," "Judy's Turn to Cry," "You Don't Own Me," and "Sunshine Lollipops and Rainbows." Lesley was an incredibly soulful singer/songwriter even at that young age and that was why the world embraced her songs the way it did. It is important to remember that at one point, the only group that surpassed her in the pop charts was The Beatles. It was a privilege to have been a part of Lesley's life personally and professionally from those early days until now, and although I will miss her deeply, her essence will remain with us always through her music. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lou Christie This is truly the last thing I would want to do, to say goodbye to someone whom I have admired my whole career. Lesley Gore and I met in 1963 when we both had our first hit record. Lesley was a protected new star who seemed way above it all until you had some time alone with her. She was fun, smart and talented with a sense of humor that was her secret glory. Her taste in music surpassed any teen angel that was on the charts at the time. Raised on jazz, show tunes and standards, Lesley could sing them all and did. The smoky timber of her unforgettable sound was hers and hers alone. I loved her independence, loved singing with her, loved every hit record she had...especially "Look of Love." Be at peace. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ronnie Spector I am shocked to hear of Lesley Gore's passing. We knew each other for 52 years. The first time we met was in 1963 at the Brooklyn Fox Theater. Lesley was the one artist from the early 60's that I regularly would bump into at an event or out on the road. We were together 3 months ago at the Alzheimer's Association fundraiser at the Waldorf. She came to my "Beyond the Beehive" show when it was in NYC, and that meant the world to me. Of course it is nice when someone you came up with in the business is complimentary, but it was special cause Lesley was so ahead of her time. "You Don't Own Me" was such a heavy song, she really made it into an anthem, more than what it was when it was a hit in the '60's. But that was Lesley. A few years back we did a co-bill together. She sat down at the piano and played this touching song, just her voice and piano. She was an artist. She had a joyful sound, a ton of hits, so much a part of the 1960's, but Lesley was so much more than that. I am going to miss her terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cousin Bruce Morrow It is with a very heavy heart that we say goodbye to our dear friend Lesley Gore. She is a legend that will live on forever through our hearts, minds and the gift of all the wonderful music she has given us throughout the years. We love you Lesley! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Blake Morgan, ECR Records We love you, Lesley. Ever Since...and always. She was a broad, she had moxy, she was tough. She had all of that. And she had a strength...There was something incredibly compelling about just who she was, on or off the record. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Connie Francis I'm so sorry to hear of Lesley Gore's passing today. She was such a sweet and genuine lady whom I've always considered my friend. We'll miss you, Lesley. RIP ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bette Midler Lesley Gore, who recorded and made a hit of "You Don't Own Me," "It's My Party" and "Judy's Turn to Cry," has died at 68. What a legacy. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Neil Sedaka I am saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Lesley Gore. I fondly remember attending her Sweet Sixteen party in New Jersey. She was a great person and a phenomenal talent who had opened for me on many occasions. She recorded a few of my Songs ("Magic Colors" and "Summer Symphony") and was a great songwriter in her own right. I'm glad I had the chance of knowing her. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Reba Mc Entire Lesley Gore passed today. Loved her!!! RIP ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bobby Rydell Very saddened to hear of the passing of an old friend. Lesley Gore was a brilliant talent gone too soon. We worked together many times over the years and she will be missed deeply. My heart is with her loved ones at this difficult time. RIP dear lady. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Carole King R.I.P. Lesley Gore ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Johnny Tillotson We are heartbroken at the news that our friend and tremendous talent Lesley Gore has passed away. She was truly one of the great talents of Rock and Pop. We enjoyed every minute we spent with her in our travels and over the years and will cherish those memories always. This is a sad sad day. Our sincere and deep condolences to her partner Lois and all who knew and loved her. Such a loss cannot be measured...not even by our tears. In loving memory of Lesley Gore gone too soon from this world. Johnny and Nancy Tillotson
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Bobby Vee From The Surf Ballroom in Clearlake, IA to concerts across the USA and Australia, I've shared many stages and many memories with Lesley - so much wonderful music. She was an amazing talent, a dynamic person and a true friend. We will miss her dearly. With love- Bobby, Karen and the Vee Family ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Helen Reddy Very sad news. Rest in peace, dear Lesley. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Darlene Love (Feb. 16) Sad to hear that Lesley Gore passed away today. (Feb. 20) Been thinking about Lesley non-stop since her passing. I still can't believe she has left us so soon! Very sad! She was very sweet and sincere. I was fortunate to have shared the stage with her throughout the years and was planning to perform with her again later this year. Here's a video clip from back in the '60's...I sang back-up for Lesley with the Blossoms. (Video clip on Darlene Love's Facebook page) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Charlie Grace Charlie remembers Lesley as "warm, highly professional and committed to her craft. She was always a great little artist and will be sorely missed. I'm happy we had the chance to work together on a few occasions. God Rest and Keep her Soul." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Peggy March The news of Lesley's passing came as a shock to me. I worked with her not too long ago, and she sounded and looked great. She WILL be missed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Paul Petersen
Lesley Gore: An Indelible Imprint
The entire cast of The Donna Reed Show was excited to learn that Lesley Gore would be guest-starring in the 27th episode of our 8th season, “By Line, Jeff Stone.” It was a simple set-up; I had to interview her for my college newspaper and Lesley would sing. It was a big deal for me. Lesley was a recording star, a very tough racket as I’d already learned. Her hits were an important part of my late-Teens. When she arrived for rehearsal…petite, well-groomed and soft-spoken…I was delighted. If I remember correctly (and I usually do) I told her “We’re going to have a lot of fun, Lesley.” And we did. Our scenes were sharp and funny, and when the time came for Lesley to sing, the whole of Stage One behind the camera was filled by Columbia Pictures employees who found an excuse to come down from all over the lot to see for themselves this enormously popular singing star. No one knew that Episode 27 would be the last first-run broadcast of The Donna Reed Show.We stayed in touch over the years, bobbing on the tides of our lives. I remember in particular how supportive Leslie was when we started A Minor Consideration. Remember, Lesley was just 16 when “It’s My Party” was released. She knew what ‘kid stars’ were about. She went through it, and came through the process as a solid, fully-functioning adult.When news of her death reached me I reacted as I did that first day on the set of the show when I discovered that Lesley Gore was younger than me. How can that be? Our sympathies go out to her family, friends and fans all over the world. A real talent, but a better person…gone too soon. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tina Yvonne Cole I was so sad to hear of the passing of the terrific singer/songwriter Lesley Gore. The Four King Cousins were so excited to have been able to record her hit single "California Nights." This song was also featured on our first album ("Introducing the Four King Cousins"). This song is truly a favorite of mine and the cousins were fortunate to perform it on our family's television special "Holiday Cruise With The King Family." Lesley was a very special person and will be sorely missed, but her memory and legacy will live on through her wonderful music. Rest in Peace, Lesley. You are singing with the angels now. Tina (4 King Cousins performing "California Nights on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwz1NdZDgog ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Four King Cousins We're saddened to hear of the passing of the terrific singer and Oscar-nominated songwriter Lesley Gore. We were honored to have recorded her hit "California Nights," a great tune by Marvin Hamlisch and Howard Liebling , on our first album, and then to have performed it on The King Family "Holiday Cruise" special. She leaves an amazing legacy of wonderful songs that are touchstones for several generations including "You Don't Own Me," "Maybe I Know" and of course "It's My Party." Influenced by singers including Anita O'Day and Sarah Vaughan, Lesley possessed a terrific jazz sensibility in her approach to the songs she recorded. You can hear it in the many fine album tracks that accompanied the big hits on her LPs. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Donna Loren Tribute to Lesley Gore, Rock n' Roll Opera The very first Rock n' Roll Opera was presented on Shindig! Starring Marvin Gaye and Tina Turner, our producer called it "Shindig! Place." Guests were Lesley Gore, who sang a duet with Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers. Bobby Hatfield and I did our one and only duet. I'm choosing to show you the entire clip that runs 15 minutes. Lesley's duet with Bill is directly after my duet with Bobby. It's utterly shocking to lose a peer at any age. Video: http://youtu.be/VpO1gh5tRJY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Brian Wilson I'm sad to hear about Lesley Gore passing away. She sang sweetly and her songs bring back great memories. Love and Mercy, Brian ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jill Sobule I will miss you so much Lesley Gore. She was so kind, unpretentious, smart as a whip, universally beloved and..could sing. I am blessed to have been your friend. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kansas RIP Lesley Gore. "It's My Party" was written by Wally Gold who played a not so small part in the history of KANSAS. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kate Taylor Rest in Peace l'il Miss Lesley Gore. Thank you for all the great tunes. It's your party and you can do whatever you want. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Howie Mandel RIP Lesley Gore. A big part of my career. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) ASCAP mourns the passing of our songwriter member, Lesley Gore, a vocal powerhouse who scored eight Top 20 pop hits from 1963 to 1967, four of them in the Top 10 ("It's My Party, "Judy's Turn to Cry," "She's a Fool" and the proto-feminist anthem, "You Don't Own Me")... Once her recording career went into eclipse, Gore continued to make contributions as a songwriter, live performer and as an active member of the creative community. Her song "Out Here on My Own" (co-written with her brother, Michael Gore) was featured in the 1980 musical film Fame, and later recorded by Susan Boyle and Glee's Lea Michele. Lesley's anthemic 1975 song "Love Me By Name" was subsequently covered in memorable fashion by Dusty Springfield. Gore was known in recent years as a spokesperson for the LGBT movement. She frequently attended ASCAP events, including meetings with legislators to discuss issues of concern to music creators, and served on the ASCAP Board of Review. She will be missed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mark Ronson This Lesley Gore performance from TAMI is as good as anything. She was an incredible talent and a trailblazer. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rapper Chuck D I remember interviewing Lesley Gore on AirAmerica, great lady. It was a good exchange. R.I.P. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Louis St. Louis Tis a difficult moment I thank Lesley Gore for every musical Moment I was given to spend with her. I could go on endlessly, but what's most important is that her perfect voice continue on in our ears and hearts forever; the memories of that perfect voice and the heart and soul that guided every single note She ever sang. Love always.... Louis
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Tracy Stark I am heartbroken. When I first moved to NYC, Lesley Gore was the first vocalist to hire me as her music director. We worked together for 15 years, in pretty much every possible musical situation. I played stadiums with her, and I played shit hole trailer parks with her. We traveled to different countries, we did TV shows, political events, casinos, private parties, County Fairs. Some incredibly lavish and cushy gigs, and other gigs where we would wonder..."are we on another planet?!" I LOVED playing music with her. I did not care where, or what the situation was. She was a consummate pro. She would always give her all, no matter what the situation was. I am so grateful for my time with her. Smart, down-to-earth, filthy humor, appreciative of other people's talent, and a hell of a lot of fun. My last time working with her was when she recorded one of my songs for my CD. Oh my God...it's just such a beautiful performance. So vulnerable, and so strong at the same time. Just like Lesley. I will miss you so much! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mark Lindsay
I met Lesley Gore when she was on "Where The Action Is," and we played some shows together from time to time over the years. I always loved the sound of her voice and am very sorry to hear of her passing.
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Jim Bessman
Read a very nice tribute to Lesley Gore from Jim Bessman's blog on Feb. 16, 2015
http://jimbessman.com/blog/?p=717
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Chris Matthews
on Hardball...ran an old Lesley clip and simply stated: A loss for the world."
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