The Shangri-Las - "The Leader of the Pack"

Between 1964 and 1966 they charted with often heartbreaking teen melodramas, and remain perhaps best known for their hits "Leader of the Pack" and "Remember (Walking in the Sand)". The Shangri-Las had an iconic sound and through grit and determination rose to the top of the pops with their tough girl songs and catchy, singable melodies.

The Shangri-Las' "tough girls" persona set them apart from other girl groups. Having grown up in a rough neighborhood of Queens, New York, they were less demure than their contemporaries. Rumors about supposed escapades have since become legend, for example the story that Mary Weiss attracted the attention of the FBI for transporting a firearm across state lines. In her defense, she said someone tried to break into her hotel room one night and for protection she bought a pistol.[8]

Whatever truth these stories may have, they were believed by fans in the 1960s, and they helped cement the group's bad-girl reputation. According to Weiss, that persona helped fend off advances from musicians on tours.

So today, like a cool rider, I choose The Shangri-Las' "The Leader of the Pack" as my, rise to the lead, take life by the handle bars, let no one else tell you how to do you, song for a, go on and try me, cigarettes and satin pumps, shades and shadows Thursday!