The Shangri-Las The Shangri-Las were an American girl group from Queens, New York, formed in 1963 by sisters Mary Weiss (lead, born 1948), Betty Weiss, and twins Margie and Mary Ann Ganser. Known for dramatic “teen death disc” and heartbreak ballads, they signed with Red Bird Records under producer George “Shadow” Morton. Their breakthrough was “Remember (Walkin’ in the Sand)” (1964, Top 5), featuring haunting wails and sound effects like crashing waves. The signature hit “Leader of the Pack” (No. 1, 1964) told a tragic motorcycle crash story with revving engines and sobs, selling millions and defining melodrama in pop. Other classics: “Give Him a Great Big Kiss,” “Out in the Streets,” “I Can Never Go Home Anymore,” and “Past, Present and Future.” Their edgy, street-tough image contrasted sweet vocals, influencing punk and later girl groups. Lineup changes (Ganser twins left/rejoined) and label issues led to decline by 1967; they disbanded around 1968. Mary Weiss pursued a quiet life, later reuniting briefly in the 1970s and 2000s for tours. Betty Weiss faded from music; Margie Ganser died in 1996 (cancer), Mary Ann in 2000 (drug-related). Weiss returned to performing in the 2000s. Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Shangri-Las endure for their cinematic, emotional storytelling that captured teenage angst in mid-1960s pop.