Lesley Gore -- 'It's My Party' Singer Dead -- Dies 68

Lesley Gore -- who exploded on the music scene with "It's My Party" -- has died.

Gore, who followed her 1963 hit with a string of huge songs, including "Judy's Turn to Cry," "You Don't Own Me," "Maybe I Know," "She's a Fool" and "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows," also composed songs for the movie "Fame" in 1980. Gore was nominated for an Academy Award for one of the songs, "Out Here on My Own."

Quincy Jones discovered Gore when she was a teen and guided her to spectacular success.

Gore used one of her songs, "You Don't Own Me," as an anthem for reproductive rights during the 2012 Presidential election.

Gore was openly gay and leaves behind a partner, Lois Sasson.

We're told she died in a NYC hospital following a battle with lung cancer.