'It's My Party' singer Lesley Gore dead aged 68

American singer-songwriter Lesley Gore has died aged 68.

The pop and rock icon, born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, hit number one in 1963 with the song "It's My Party".

A string of hits followed, including "Judy's Turn to Cry", "She's a Fool", "You Don't Own Me", "Look of Love", and "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows".

Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey, Gore was discovered by Quincy Jones as a teenager and signed to Mercury Records.

She attended Sarah Lawrence College and graduated with a degree in English/American literature.

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

She officially came out to the public when she hosted several episodes of the PBS series, "In The Life," which dealt with gay and lesbian issues.

Sasson, a jewellery designer, told the Associated Press she died on Monday of cancer at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

"She was a wonderful human being - caring, giving, a great feminist, great woman, great human being, great humanitarian," she said.