In 1964, the American teenage girl group The Shangri-Las had a number one hit with the song ‘Leader Of The Pack’. This was in a short-lived musical genre known as ‘Teenage Tragedy’. I didn’t buy that record, but the same year I did buy another of their records. This one.
The lyrics are on the video.
I discovered that a 15 year-old Billy Joel is playing the piano on this record! The girls officially split up in 1967, and the current group touring using the same name is nothing to do with the original.
beetleypete 
A nice song and the knowledge of the pianist makes it even more interesting. Thanks, Pete! xx Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the back stories can be interesting to know.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Billy Joel played the piano for this song when he was 15? Wow! Loved the song.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This song has been lurking in my head for my entire life, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad! Best tp you, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember all these tragedy songs..teenage angst galore… Love this Twinkle one thanks for the reminder, Pete x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought the lead singer of The Shangri-Las had a great voice. She could have sung almost anything.
Best wishes, Pete. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
She did quite a distinctive voice she made a solo album in 2007 called Dangerous Game I think I prefered her in the Shangrilas x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Teenage tragedy songs remind me of “Dead Man’s Curve.” Jan and Dean sang it originally, apparently, but I’m more familiar with the Carpenters’ version.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had completely forgotten that Jan and Dean song. Now you have jogged my memory of it.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was not aware of a new group using their name. Warmest regard, Ed
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only knew about that from researching this post, Ed.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nobody did tragedy quite like the Shangri la’s. This Was a good track too though.
Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the vocals were outstanding, David. It’s easy to overlook those in a pop record, but the lead singer had such a great tone.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting bit of musical trivia about Billy Joel’s playing on the record.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only just found out about that, when researching the background of the group.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of my favorite songs of all time. And I was not aware that Billy Joel was the piano player for this record. How cool is that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the lead singer’s voice was amazing. I was always surprised she didn’t have a successful solo career later.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fond memories yet again chuq
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really liked this one at the time. Loved the lead singer’s voice!
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember singing this one as a kid with some friends. Happy times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They had really good voices. Just a shame they didn’t stay together.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did they sing the one that went ‘Please wait at the gate of heaven for me, Terry…?’ Us girls used to sing it to a boy in our street called Terry. He hated that song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, that was a British song, by a singer who called herself Twinkle. It was very much in the same genre though. 🙂
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_(Twinkle_song)
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person