Leader of the Pack

Leader of the Pack is the debut album by girl group the Shangri-Las, released in 1965 by Red Bird Records. The album was produced to capitalize on the group's breakthrough hits "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" and "Leader of the Pack", the latter of which had been co-written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich in addition to George "Shadow" Morton. After the album's focal track went to number one, the Shangri-Las' style and image had evolved into something tougher and earthier. Much of the material for Leader of the Pack such as "Bull Dog" and "It's Easier to Cry" emphasized their new style. Other songs on the album include cover versions of "Maybe" originally by the Chantels with Betty Weiss on lead vocals, along with "Shout" by the Isley Brothers and "Twist and Shout" by the Top Notes. Also on the album is "Give Him a Great Big Kiss", which the Shangri-Las had released as a single in December 1964. Although the group had scored two major hits, the album only charted at 109 on the U.S. albums chart. The songs "Leader of the Pack", "Give Him a Great Big Kiss" and "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" have been cited as important influences on musicians such as the New York Dolls, the Damned, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Sonic Youth and Amy Winehouse.