Lesley Gore, the singer/songwriter who was best known for her infectious 1963 hit “It’s My Party,” passed away today at the age 68. Gore recorded “Party” when she was just 16, and though she’s commonly regarded as a flash-in-the-pan pop star, she used her early success to build a widely-respected songwriting career, even earning an Academy Award nomination for her work on the film Fame in 1980. Gore recorded several other hits throughout her career, including the feminist anthem “You Don’t Own Me,” and the bouncy Marvin Hamlisch classic “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.” Despite all of her success, however, “It’s My Party” has remained Gore’s signature hit throughout her career.
