Lesley Gore had a series of million-selling singles in the mid 1960’s, including “It’s My Party,” “Judy’s Turn to Cry,” and “You Don’t Own Me.” At the same time, she blazed a trail for the current crop of female artists that are dominating the pop music of today. Unbelievably, there has never been a biography written about this influential artist – until now.

Trevor Tolliver, a life-long fan, has just issued You Don’t Own Me: the Life and Times of Lesley Gore from Backbeat Books. We talk about how Tolliver gathered his extensive information, including becoming friends with the singer near the end of her life. We also chronicle Gore’s rise to fame and how she struggled when public taste shifted.