Singer and actress Lesley Gore, well known for hits including ‘It’s My Party’ and ‘You Don’t Own Me’ has died aged 68 from lung cancer.
In 1963, Gore wrote and recorded the single ‘It’s My Party’ at age sixteen, backed by producer Quincy Jones. The song sold more than 1 million copies, and the Brooklyn-born singer went on to record a series of successful pop songs before finishing high school, including ‘Judy’s Turn to Cry’ and ‘You Don’t Own Me’. The latter is considered a feminist anthem for suggesting that young women should not be controlled by men.
Gore also had a hit with the Grammy-nominated ‘Sunshine Lollipops and Rainbows’, composed by Marvin Hamlisch. She also worked as an actress, and guest starred in the television series ‘Batman’ in the role of Pussycat, a sidekick to Catwoman.
Gore also attended Sarah Lawrence College and studied English and American literature.
In 1980, Gore composed songs for the soundtrack of ‘Fame’, including ‘Out Here On My Own’, which was co-written by her brother Michael and received an Academy Award nomination.
Gore came out as a lesbian in an interview in 2005. She hosted LGBT television series ‘In The Life’.
Gore is survived by her mother, her brother Michael and her partner of 33 years, Lois Sasson.
“She was a wonderful human being — caring, giving, a great feminist, great woman, great human being, great humanitarian,” Sasson told the Associated Press.
Gore’s funeral is scheduled for February 19th in New York.
