Lesley Gore International Fan Club Biography: 2015
A star was born in 1963. Her name was Lesley Gore and with the release of her first single and first gold record, "It's My Party," she was destined to become the brightest star in the entertainment world.
Lesley was singing with her cousin's band in New York. They worked weekends at catering establishments. One evening representatives from Mercury Records came in to hear her sing and promptly became interested in her. Lesley went into the studios to record four demo songs for them. She was signed to work with Quincy Jones, recorded "It's My Party" on March 30, 1963, and five days later the song was being played on the radio. Lesley was signed to a five year contract with Mercury Records which was later renewed in May, 1968.
Born in New York on May 2, 1946, Lesley grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey in a very close knit family. Lesley, per parents, Leo and Ronny, and her younger brother, Michael, shared a rare respect and enjoyment of each other.
At the time of her first single release, Lesley was a student at Dwight School for Girls in Englewood, New Jersey. She graduated with honors in June, 1964 and enrolled in Sarah Lawrence College. She turned down a Broadway play and a television series to go to college but felt that college was more important at the time. Lesley received her B.A. in English Literature from Sarah Lawrence College in 1968.
At the beginning of her career, Lesley concentrated mainly on records and television. She had a string of top ten hits to prove her popularity at the time. However, in 1964 and 1965 Lesley made cameo appearances in two movies, "Girls on the Beach" and "Ski Party." She also performed in the T.A.M.I. Show which was shown in theaters across the country. In 1966 Lesley made her acting debut on an episode of the Donna Reed TV Show in a part written especially for her. The next year (1967) Lesley acted and sang in a two-part episode of Batman on TV, playing Pink Pussycat, assistant to Catwoman (Julie Newmar).
In 1967, a new dimension was added to Lesley's career: summer stock. Her first role was in "Half a Sixpence" opposite Tony Tanner. For the next few years, Lesley starred in "Funny Girl," "Finian's Rainbow," "South Pacific" and "There's a Girl in My Soup," touring nationally. She won rave reviews for her acting and proved her growth as an actress. Typical of her reviews:
“Finian's Rainbow" - Atlantic Journal, Terry Kay
Mostly that spirit is named Lesley Gore, who has been accused of taking short lessons from Mickey Rooney, but who is big enough to be splendid in only her third stage musical. Vocally there should be little doubt that Miss Gore is capable of excelling before an audience, but there is more, much more to her performance as Sharon. She turns nuances into lovely moments of personality and she stimulates each scene she is in.
"Funny Girl" - Springfield Herald
The show leans heavily on the talents of the actress in the title role. In this respect, the current production is fortunate to have Lesley Gore. Her rendition of "People" came close to stopping the performance, and she was never more winsome and tender in the lovely ballad "Who Are You Now?"
Lesley has appeared at all the top nightclubs in the world, including Hollywood,
Japan, Australia, France, England and Germany. She has appeared on all the major television shows including Ed Sullivan and David Susskind Shows. Features on Lesley have appeared in all the top newspapers and magazines, including “Newsweek” and the “Saturday Evening Post.” She starred in her own television special in 1970 titled “Lesley in Love.”
In the late 1960’s, Lesley was maturing both personally and professionally, and it was apparent that a change was necessary for her. Lesley’s music needed to reflect the growth she was experiencing in her life.
In 1970, Lesley switched record companies, from Mercury Records for whom she recorded exclusively for seven years, to a newer company, Crewe Records, headed by Bob Crewe. Crewe was responsible for Lesley’s big hit on Mercury in 1967, “California Nights.” In the period from 1970-71, Crewe Records released a total of four singles. Included was a duet with Oliver and music from an unreleased movie “Appleman.” However, Crewe was experiencing financial difficulties and soon went backrupt.
Unhappy with the material publishers were submitting to her, Lesley began seriously writing her own material. She had many thoughts and feeling which she wished to express, and publishers were sending her material very similar to her early hits of the 1960’s. It was about this time that Lesley moved to California and met a very talented actress, Ellen Weston. Ellen was starring in a television series, “S.W.A.T” and later had a leading role on the television soap opera, “The Young and the Restless.” Lesley and Ellen began collaborating and wrote over 60 songs together.
Lesley and Ellen’s material came to the attention of Motown Records. They were very enthusiastic about having Lesley record for them. With Joe Porter as producer, Lesley put together an album for Mowest, a division of Motown Records. In September, 1972, “Someplace Else Now” was released. It contained material written by Lesley and Ellen and a song written with her brother Michael. This album was very well received by critics and fans. Billboard reported:
The hit maker of the ‘60’s debuts on Mowest with a totally fresh unique meaningful approach as a composer-performer, and she’s right up to date. This should prove a new career and following for her. With much sensitivity she has composed and performs some ballad beauties that include “The Road I Walk,” “Don’t Wanna Be One,” the title tune and “What Did I Do Wrong” with singles possibilities. Appeal for Top 40, MOR and FM.
A single, “She Said That,” was later released from the album. Unfortunately, Motown was involved in many other projects at the time, and the promotion, sales and ultimately the success of the record suffered.
In 1974, Lesley decided to return to performing to test out some of her new material. She had been making occasional appearances at top nightclubs during the past few years. Her 1974 appearance in Augusta, Georgia was so successful, they extended her engagement. In March, 1975, Lesley appeared in a Rock and Roll Revival at Madison Square Garden in New York City. She sang to a sold out, screaming, cheering audience of 19,000. She later repeated this success at another sold out Garden appearance.
A turning point in Lesley’s career came in April, 1975, when she introduced an entirely new nightclub act at New York’s most popular cabaret, Reno Sweeney. It was here she introduced her own songs and a new look, even more mature, sophisticated and polished. Her act was a combination of old hits set to a new beat and new material she had written with Ellen Weston. The public reacted by selling out her two week engagement and giving her standing ovations every night. Lesley was asked to return to Reno Sweeny which she did the following year. About this time, Lesley signed a contract with A&M Records. One album, “Love Me By Name,” was released on this label. Lesley and Ellen wrote all of the material over a two and a half year period. Quincy Jones, who produced the album, was busy with his own career, and it took over a year for the album to be completed. Despite excellent reviews, Lesley’s option with A&M came up for renewal before the album was even finished. Since the executives heard nothing from the album since Lesley signed her contract, the option was not renewed. Two singles were eventually released from the “Love Me By Name” album.
Lesley continued to perform in many clubs around the country during this period. She received outstanding reviews for her performances in California, New York, Dallas, Cleveland, etc. Typical of her reviews at the time:
…her inflections and timbre are under perfect musical control…It is hard to describe the excitement and genuine musical output and enthusiasm generated by Lesley Gore. She has more voice, mean meaning, more magnetism in one number than Helen Reddy has ever achieved…A dynamite hour of song, never tense, but always assured-keep, hip…
In 1979, Lesley left California and returned to New York where she felt the “musical action” was. She continued writing with Ellen Weston and also began writing with Carol Hall, among others. Lesley also continued her writing association with her brother, Michael Gore.
Together with Michael, Lesley wrote two songs for the movie “Fame.” She contributed “Hot Lunch Jam” and “Out Here on My Own.” The movie “Fame” premiered in New York in May, 1980 and quickly established Lesley as a legitimate songwriter. Many nominations were given for the music from “Fame,” and Lesley and Michael attended the Golden Globes, Grammy and Academy Awards in the spring of 1981. As a producer of the album, Michael received a number of nominations and awards, including Best Soundtrack and Best Original Song from a Motion Picture.
Most exciting at this time was a nomination for Lesley and Michael as the writers of “Out Here on My Own.” They received the nomination as Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. Also nominated was the title tune from “Fame,” written by Michael and Dean Pitchford (which won the award). Lesley was absolutely thrilled with her nomination, and it opened many doors to songwriting opportunities.
In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s (and continuing to the present), Lesley’s music was, and is, being recorded and sung by a number of popular artists, including Bernadette Peters, Dusty Springfield, Quincy Jones, Patti Austin, Helen Reddy, Mizz, Irene Cara, Betty Everett, Jennifer Holliday, among many others.
Late in 1982, the producers of the popular daytime soap opera, “All My Children,” contacted Lesley to write a song for their show. She co wrote “Easy to Say, Hard to Do” with Sid Ramin. Lesley recorded the song, and it was also sung by Melba Moore on the program. The producers were so impressed with Lesley when they met that they wrote her into the story line. In December, 1982 and January, 1983, Lesley made six guest appearances on “All My Children” in the role of June Gordon, a music publisher. Viewers were also treated to hearing the version of “Easy to Say, Hard to Do,” which Lesley recorded for the show.
In 1986, Lesley teamed up with and singer, Lou Christie, and recorded a single “Since I Don’t Have You/It’s Only Make Believe” which was released on Manhattan Records. Lesley and Lou often appeared on the same bill together. They always sang this duet as well as several others and received standing ovations after every performance.
In early 1991, Lesley reinvented herself once again. She developed a very polished, sophisticated cabaret act which she first performed at the posh New York City cabaret “Rainbow and Stars.” Lesley showcased her talent for singing many different styles of music. Besides performing her hits, Lesley did standards by Gershwin, Cole Porter, Legrand, Rogers and Hart, Donna Summer and others. She displayed her talents for jazz by singing “Something Cool” by June Christy and performed new songs which she composed.
Lesley returned to Rainbow and Stars three times in the early-mid 1990’s. Each appearance was greeted with sold out audiences and rave reviews:
She proves in her current cabaret engagement she is a dynamic performer with a wide range of musical tastes…she reaches into several eras of pop history, mixing and matching musical styles with ease…
Throughout the 1990’s, Lesley continued to tour around the world to appreciative audiences. She appeared on a number of TV shows including “Murphy Brown” and a Fourth of July special from Washington, DC. Lesley also continued to be a successful songwriter, contributing original songs to the movies “Grace of My Heart” and “Superstar.” Along with other pop legends, Lesley recorded a new CD of music from the musical “Grease.”
In July, 1999, Lesley’s life long dream of appearing on Broadway came true. She starred in the hit musical “Smokey Joe’s Café.” In an interview, Lesley said it was truly one of the highlights of her career.
Late in 2001, the cable television station A&E released a one hour Biography as part of their “Teen Idols” week validating her place of importance in musical history.
Back in the recording studio in 2005, Lesley recorded her first studio album in 30 years! Titled “Ever Since” and released by Blake Morgan’s Engine Company Records label, this CD received rave reviews from Billboard , The New York Times and many other sources:
(Billboard): On her first album of new material in 30 years, Gore goes the pop-cabaret route via 10 songs that revel in an intimate setting. Simple yet lush arrangements surround her voice…
For the ten years following the release of “Ever Since,” Lesley would concentrate on doing what she loved best: performing, writing, supporting worthy causes, being a spokesperson for many issues involving women’s rights, LGBT, homelessness, hunger, etc..
Lesley lost her brief battle with cancer on February 16, 2015. At the time of her death, Lesley was writing her memoirs and working on a musical autobiography of her life. Her legacy will live on forever……
JN/March 2015
Lesley was singing with her cousin's band in New York. They worked weekends at catering establishments. One evening representatives from Mercury Records came in to hear her sing and promptly became interested in her. Lesley went into the studios to record four demo songs for them. She was signed to work with Quincy Jones, recorded "It's My Party" on March 30, 1963, and five days later the song was being played on the radio. Lesley was signed to a five year contract with Mercury Records which was later renewed in May, 1968.
Born in New York on May 2, 1946, Lesley grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey in a very close knit family. Lesley, per parents, Leo and Ronny, and her younger brother, Michael, shared a rare respect and enjoyment of each other.
At the time of her first single release, Lesley was a student at Dwight School for Girls in Englewood, New Jersey. She graduated with honors in June, 1964 and enrolled in Sarah Lawrence College. She turned down a Broadway play and a television series to go to college but felt that college was more important at the time. Lesley received her B.A. in English Literature from Sarah Lawrence College in 1968.
At the beginning of her career, Lesley concentrated mainly on records and television. She had a string of top ten hits to prove her popularity at the time. However, in 1964 and 1965 Lesley made cameo appearances in two movies, "Girls on the Beach" and "Ski Party." She also performed in the T.A.M.I. Show which was shown in theaters across the country. In 1966 Lesley made her acting debut on an episode of the Donna Reed TV Show in a part written especially for her. The next year (1967) Lesley acted and sang in a two-part episode of Batman on TV, playing Pink Pussycat, assistant to Catwoman (Julie Newmar).
In 1967, a new dimension was added to Lesley's career: summer stock. Her first role was in "Half a Sixpence" opposite Tony Tanner. For the next few years, Lesley starred in "Funny Girl," "Finian's Rainbow," "South Pacific" and "There's a Girl in My Soup," touring nationally. She won rave reviews for her acting and proved her growth as an actress. Typical of her reviews:
“Finian's Rainbow" - Atlantic Journal, Terry Kay
Mostly that spirit is named Lesley Gore, who has been accused of taking short lessons from Mickey Rooney, but who is big enough to be splendid in only her third stage musical. Vocally there should be little doubt that Miss Gore is capable of excelling before an audience, but there is more, much more to her performance as Sharon. She turns nuances into lovely moments of personality and she stimulates each scene she is in.
"Funny Girl" - Springfield Herald
The show leans heavily on the talents of the actress in the title role. In this respect, the current production is fortunate to have Lesley Gore. Her rendition of "People" came close to stopping the performance, and she was never more winsome and tender in the lovely ballad "Who Are You Now?"
Lesley has appeared at all the top nightclubs in the world, including Hollywood,
Japan, Australia, France, England and Germany. She has appeared on all the major television shows including Ed Sullivan and David Susskind Shows. Features on Lesley have appeared in all the top newspapers and magazines, including “Newsweek” and the “Saturday Evening Post.” She starred in her own television special in 1970 titled “Lesley in Love.”
In the late 1960’s, Lesley was maturing both personally and professionally, and it was apparent that a change was necessary for her. Lesley’s music needed to reflect the growth she was experiencing in her life.
In 1970, Lesley switched record companies, from Mercury Records for whom she recorded exclusively for seven years, to a newer company, Crewe Records, headed by Bob Crewe. Crewe was responsible for Lesley’s big hit on Mercury in 1967, “California Nights.” In the period from 1970-71, Crewe Records released a total of four singles. Included was a duet with Oliver and music from an unreleased movie “Appleman.” However, Crewe was experiencing financial difficulties and soon went backrupt.
Unhappy with the material publishers were submitting to her, Lesley began seriously writing her own material. She had many thoughts and feeling which she wished to express, and publishers were sending her material very similar to her early hits of the 1960’s. It was about this time that Lesley moved to California and met a very talented actress, Ellen Weston. Ellen was starring in a television series, “S.W.A.T” and later had a leading role on the television soap opera, “The Young and the Restless.” Lesley and Ellen began collaborating and wrote over 60 songs together.
Lesley and Ellen’s material came to the attention of Motown Records. They were very enthusiastic about having Lesley record for them. With Joe Porter as producer, Lesley put together an album for Mowest, a division of Motown Records. In September, 1972, “Someplace Else Now” was released. It contained material written by Lesley and Ellen and a song written with her brother Michael. This album was very well received by critics and fans. Billboard reported:
The hit maker of the ‘60’s debuts on Mowest with a totally fresh unique meaningful approach as a composer-performer, and she’s right up to date. This should prove a new career and following for her. With much sensitivity she has composed and performs some ballad beauties that include “The Road I Walk,” “Don’t Wanna Be One,” the title tune and “What Did I Do Wrong” with singles possibilities. Appeal for Top 40, MOR and FM.
A single, “She Said That,” was later released from the album. Unfortunately, Motown was involved in many other projects at the time, and the promotion, sales and ultimately the success of the record suffered.
In 1974, Lesley decided to return to performing to test out some of her new material. She had been making occasional appearances at top nightclubs during the past few years. Her 1974 appearance in Augusta, Georgia was so successful, they extended her engagement. In March, 1975, Lesley appeared in a Rock and Roll Revival at Madison Square Garden in New York City. She sang to a sold out, screaming, cheering audience of 19,000. She later repeated this success at another sold out Garden appearance.
A turning point in Lesley’s career came in April, 1975, when she introduced an entirely new nightclub act at New York’s most popular cabaret, Reno Sweeney. It was here she introduced her own songs and a new look, even more mature, sophisticated and polished. Her act was a combination of old hits set to a new beat and new material she had written with Ellen Weston. The public reacted by selling out her two week engagement and giving her standing ovations every night. Lesley was asked to return to Reno Sweeny which she did the following year. About this time, Lesley signed a contract with A&M Records. One album, “Love Me By Name,” was released on this label. Lesley and Ellen wrote all of the material over a two and a half year period. Quincy Jones, who produced the album, was busy with his own career, and it took over a year for the album to be completed. Despite excellent reviews, Lesley’s option with A&M came up for renewal before the album was even finished. Since the executives heard nothing from the album since Lesley signed her contract, the option was not renewed. Two singles were eventually released from the “Love Me By Name” album.
Lesley continued to perform in many clubs around the country during this period. She received outstanding reviews for her performances in California, New York, Dallas, Cleveland, etc. Typical of her reviews at the time:
…her inflections and timbre are under perfect musical control…It is hard to describe the excitement and genuine musical output and enthusiasm generated by Lesley Gore. She has more voice, mean meaning, more magnetism in one number than Helen Reddy has ever achieved…A dynamite hour of song, never tense, but always assured-keep, hip…
In 1979, Lesley left California and returned to New York where she felt the “musical action” was. She continued writing with Ellen Weston and also began writing with Carol Hall, among others. Lesley also continued her writing association with her brother, Michael Gore.
Together with Michael, Lesley wrote two songs for the movie “Fame.” She contributed “Hot Lunch Jam” and “Out Here on My Own.” The movie “Fame” premiered in New York in May, 1980 and quickly established Lesley as a legitimate songwriter. Many nominations were given for the music from “Fame,” and Lesley and Michael attended the Golden Globes, Grammy and Academy Awards in the spring of 1981. As a producer of the album, Michael received a number of nominations and awards, including Best Soundtrack and Best Original Song from a Motion Picture.
Most exciting at this time was a nomination for Lesley and Michael as the writers of “Out Here on My Own.” They received the nomination as Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. Also nominated was the title tune from “Fame,” written by Michael and Dean Pitchford (which won the award). Lesley was absolutely thrilled with her nomination, and it opened many doors to songwriting opportunities.
In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s (and continuing to the present), Lesley’s music was, and is, being recorded and sung by a number of popular artists, including Bernadette Peters, Dusty Springfield, Quincy Jones, Patti Austin, Helen Reddy, Mizz, Irene Cara, Betty Everett, Jennifer Holliday, among many others.
Late in 1982, the producers of the popular daytime soap opera, “All My Children,” contacted Lesley to write a song for their show. She co wrote “Easy to Say, Hard to Do” with Sid Ramin. Lesley recorded the song, and it was also sung by Melba Moore on the program. The producers were so impressed with Lesley when they met that they wrote her into the story line. In December, 1982 and January, 1983, Lesley made six guest appearances on “All My Children” in the role of June Gordon, a music publisher. Viewers were also treated to hearing the version of “Easy to Say, Hard to Do,” which Lesley recorded for the show.
In 1986, Lesley teamed up with and singer, Lou Christie, and recorded a single “Since I Don’t Have You/It’s Only Make Believe” which was released on Manhattan Records. Lesley and Lou often appeared on the same bill together. They always sang this duet as well as several others and received standing ovations after every performance.
In early 1991, Lesley reinvented herself once again. She developed a very polished, sophisticated cabaret act which she first performed at the posh New York City cabaret “Rainbow and Stars.” Lesley showcased her talent for singing many different styles of music. Besides performing her hits, Lesley did standards by Gershwin, Cole Porter, Legrand, Rogers and Hart, Donna Summer and others. She displayed her talents for jazz by singing “Something Cool” by June Christy and performed new songs which she composed.
Lesley returned to Rainbow and Stars three times in the early-mid 1990’s. Each appearance was greeted with sold out audiences and rave reviews:
She proves in her current cabaret engagement she is a dynamic performer with a wide range of musical tastes…she reaches into several eras of pop history, mixing and matching musical styles with ease…
Throughout the 1990’s, Lesley continued to tour around the world to appreciative audiences. She appeared on a number of TV shows including “Murphy Brown” and a Fourth of July special from Washington, DC. Lesley also continued to be a successful songwriter, contributing original songs to the movies “Grace of My Heart” and “Superstar.” Along with other pop legends, Lesley recorded a new CD of music from the musical “Grease.”
In July, 1999, Lesley’s life long dream of appearing on Broadway came true. She starred in the hit musical “Smokey Joe’s Café.” In an interview, Lesley said it was truly one of the highlights of her career.
Late in 2001, the cable television station A&E released a one hour Biography as part of their “Teen Idols” week validating her place of importance in musical history.
Back in the recording studio in 2005, Lesley recorded her first studio album in 30 years! Titled “Ever Since” and released by Blake Morgan’s Engine Company Records label, this CD received rave reviews from Billboard , The New York Times and many other sources:
(Billboard): On her first album of new material in 30 years, Gore goes the pop-cabaret route via 10 songs that revel in an intimate setting. Simple yet lush arrangements surround her voice…
For the ten years following the release of “Ever Since,” Lesley would concentrate on doing what she loved best: performing, writing, supporting worthy causes, being a spokesperson for many issues involving women’s rights, LGBT, homelessness, hunger, etc..
Lesley lost her brief battle with cancer on February 16, 2015. At the time of her death, Lesley was writing her memoirs and working on a musical autobiography of her life. Her legacy will live on forever……
JN/March 2015