Leslie Gore passes away

Leslie Gore died today at the NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan, New York City, of lung cancer.

She was born Lesley Sue Goldstein in Brooklyn in 1946. The singer, songwriter, actress and activist’s hits included "It's My Party" and "You Don't Own Me," a feminist rallying cry.

Lesley Gore

She composed songs with her brother, Michael Gore, for the 1980 film “Fame” for which she was nominated for an Academy Award.

Her father, Leo Gore, was a wealthy manufacturer of children's clothes and swimwear. She was a junior at the Dwight School for Girls in nearby Englewood when "It's My Party" became a No. 1 hit. It sold more than one million copies.

Her record producer from 1963 to 1965 was Quincy Jones. Jones' dentist was Marvin Hamlisch's uncle, and Hamlisch asked his uncle to convey several songs to Jones. One was "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows."

Her lover for 33 years was Lois Sasson.

Her funeral services were scheduled for Feb. 19.