Lesley was born in Brooklyn, as she proudly announced at the sensational "Girl Power" concert in Damrosch Park a couple of years ago (http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2011/07/female-trouble.html ), though she grew up in Tenafly, NJ. She had her first hit with the '60s classic, "It's My Party" and followed that up with the popular sequel, "Judy's Turn to Cry."
Other hits include the prototypical feminist anthem "You Don't Own Me," which was # 2 for 3 weeks behind "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles; "Maybe I Know;" "That's the Way Boys Are," "(Isn't That) The Look of Love," "California Nights" and more. Her songs, from 1963-'65, were all produced by Quincy Jones. "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows," composed by Marvin Hamlisch, was Grammy-nominated. She also wrote, with her brother, Michael, the Oscar-nominated "Out Here on My Own" from the 1980 movie, Fame.
Lesley appeared on the tv camp classic series, Batman, as Catwoman's assistant, "Pussycat." As an out lesbian (out since 2005), Ms Gore has been a consistent supporter of LGBT issues. She lives with her partner of over 30 years.
Happy Birthday, Lesley! Go on,cry if you want to.
Lesley Gore was a rock and roll superstar in many ways her recent shows at Joe's Pub in Manhattan were all sell-outs.Lesley Gore was the Epitome of the Girl power sounds of the 1960's and was still relevant and powerful today...I love all her hits and one of my favorites was SHE'S A FOOL...and Miss Gore was anything but a fool ...CLASS and STAR POWER till the end!!! .
ReplyDeleteWhat was there NOT to like about Leslie Gore? She made so many wonderful memories for a whole generation of Baby Boomers, including myself. Over the years I'd met a number of other Entertainers who had known/worked with her. Without exception, every one of them liked, loved and respected her. May she sing with the Angels for all eternity.
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