Lesley Gore

Early Life

Lesley Gore, born Lesley Sue Goldstein on May 2, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, grew up in a middle-class Jewish family. Her father, Leo Goldstein, owned a children's swimwear company and later became a prominent brand licensing agent. Raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, she attended the Dwight School for Girls and later graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a degree in American literature.

Career

Gore's music career took off at the young age of 16 when she recorded her first hit, "It's My Party," which became a U.S. number one in 1963. This success was followed by a string of hits, including "Judy's Turn to Cry" and the feminist anthem "You Don't Own Me," which she considered her signature song. Her collaboration with producer Quincy Jones helped shape her early sound, leading to several albums, including "Lesley Gore Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts" and "California Nights." Gore's music resonated with teenage girls, capturing their emotions and experiences through her powerful lyrics and melodies.

Personal Life

In addition to her music career, Gore was an advocate for LGBT issues, hosting the PBS series "In the Life" starting in 2003. She publicly came out as a lesbian in a 2005 interview and had a long-term relationship with jewelry designer Lois Sasson. Gore passed away from lung cancer on February 16, 2015, at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of empowering songs that spoke to the struggles and triumphs of young women. Her contributions to music and culture were recognized posthumously, with her papers archived at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, ensuring her story and impact would be preserved for future generations.