Lesley Gore

Bio:
Lesley Gore (born Lesley Sue Goldstein in Brooklyn, New York on May 2, 1946) was an actress, singer/songwriter and activist. She passed away on Feb. 16, 2015 from lung cancer at the age of 68.

Best Known For:
Lesley Gore was best known for recording the famous pop song “It’s My Party” when she was sixteen years old. She was discovered in high school by jazz producer Quincy Jones, whom with she recorded the hit. She later recorded “Judy’s Turn to Cry” and “You Don’t Own Me”. Gore is also known for her work composing the soundtrack of the 1980 film Fame, which earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Personal Life:
Post-high school, Gore both worked as a singer and attended Sarah Lawrence College before graduating in 1968. Gore came out as a homosexual in 2005, and had a partner of 33 years named Lois Sasson. As an activist, Gore focused on LGBT issues and she began hosting a PBS series called In the Life starting in 2004. In the Life is a show that explores the culture and history of the LGBT community.