Lesley Gore, better known for her 1965 hit, “It’s My Party,” died of cancer on Monday at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She was 68 years old.
Gore’s hit singles of teen love and betrayal were familiar soundtracks of AM radio. And her hit, You Don’t Own Me, was an early feminist anthem as a generation came of age in the mid-1960s.
“She was a wonderful human being — caring, giving, a great feminist, great woman, great human being, great humanitarian,” her partner of 33 years, jewelry designer Lois Sasson, told AP.
Born Lesley Sue Goldstein in Brooklyn, Gore’s other hits included She’s a Fool and a follow-up to It’s My Party called Judy’s Turn to Cry.
She went on to have four Top 5 singles in 1963 – including Marvin Hamlisch’s first hit,Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.
