Notable Lesbians
This week’s Notable Lesbian is:
Leslie Gore
May 2, 1946 -
Lesley Gore (born Goldstein) is an American singer and songwriter of the “girl group era”. She is perhaps best-known for her 1963 Pop hit, “It’s My Party,” which she recorded at the age of 16. Following this hit, she became one of the most recognized Teen Pop singers from 1963-1967. Instead of accepting the television and movie contracts that came her way, Gore chose to attend Sarah Lawrence College. This limited her public career to weekends and summer vacations, and undoubtedly hurt her career. Nevertheless, throughout the mid-1960s, Gore continued to be the one of the most popular female singers in the United States and Canada. Gore played concerts and appeared on television throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 2005, she recorded her first album of new material since 1976 (Love Me By Name) — Ever Since. Also in 2005, Gore announced she was a lesbian. She currently lives with her partner of over 23 years.
Interesting tid bit:
Her first big hit was followed by many others, including “Judy’s Turn to Cry” (the sequel to “It’s My Party”), “She’s a Fool,” the proto-feminist “You Don’t Own Me,” “That’s The Way Boys Are,” “Maybe I Know,” “The Look Of Love” and “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.” Her record producer was Quincy Jones, who would later become one of the most famous producers in American music. Gore also provided musical aid for the 1996 film Grace of My Heart, which featured a character (played by Bridget Fonda) whose struggles over her sexual orientation were similar to Gore’s. Beginning in 2004, Gore could be seen hosting the PBS television series, In the Life, which focused on LGBT issues.
If you have a suggestion for a Notable Lesbian, e-maill me at lyndsey.darcangelo@451press.net or use the contact form above and I’ll highlight her in an upcoming post.
lesley gore, it’s my party, ever since, notable lesbians, you don’t own me, judy’s turn to cry
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:17 am
Oh, yes! Leslie Gore’s announcement was a complete surprise to me. She was such an icon of hetero teenagerhood when I was young. Well, best to her and her partner.
August 24th, 2007 at 6:16 am
I love this feature, Lyndsey! Thanks for doing it so faithfully.