Lesley Gore, Early ’60s Teen Sensation, Dies [Video]

We can all cry if we want to.

The 1960s singing sensation Lesley Gore has died; she was 68 years old.

Despite being a non-smoker, her death was caused by lung cancer.

Probably best remembered for the hit "It's My Party" and "You Don't Own Me," Gore was discovered by Quincy Jones as a teenager and signed to Mercury Records.

Her other hits included "She's A Fool," ''Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows" (which was co-written by Marvin Hamlisch), "That's the Way Boys Are" and "Maybe I Know."

Her first hit, "It's My Party," came when she was in junior high. It not only launched her star into orbit, but she was the first artist to score a hit for fledgling producer Jones, who went on to a huge career, including producing mega-star Michael Jackson, " target="_blank">The Associated Press reported.

Singer Ronnie Spector said about Gore in a statement:

She was a serious artist that was way ahead of her time. She had a certain sound. But you want to be able to do new things too, and it can be hard on an artist that is so identified with a specific sound. Although she wasn't in a girl group, Lesley was definitely a huge part of that era. But she continued to be creative, and kept looking ahead, and that's how I will remember her."

Along with a string of pop hits, Gore wrote some original songs for the 1980 film "Fame," one of which, "Out Here on My Own," earned her an Oscar nomination, The Week reported. Her brother, Michael Gore, co-wrote that song.

She was also Catwoman's sidekick Pussycat for two seasons of the original TV version of "Batman."

Gore put out the album "Ever Since" in 2005 (her first new release in 30 years), but kept her set chock full of the classics.

As for her personal life, Gore officially came out publicly when she hosted a series of shows on PBS titled "In The Life," which dealt with gay and lesbian issues, The Associated Press reported.

Gore is survived by her partner of 33 years, Lois Sasson, and her brother and mother, Ronny.

Our thoughts are with her family at this time.