Born in the state of Texas, raised in Oakland, California. Shirley started singing at the Church at the age of four. Influenced by her parents of different types of music from Blues to Classical. Started playing violin at the age of eight, held first chair from elementary through middle school. Playing in the Young People’s Orchestra, also a Member of the Castlemont High School Castleleer’s Choir. Besides music Shirley worked in the medical field as a Certified Medical Assistant for several years, also worked as an Optical Optician for a major optical company.
Shirley has a love of singing. Shirley returned from a stay in New York of six years and was introduced to the Jerry Garcia Band by her best friend Gloria Jones, who Shirley grew up with in church, and was a background singer for the Jerry Garcia Band at the time. Because of Gloria Shirley attended many concerts started the love of the Jerry Music. Shirley met Cheryl through Gloria and they had an a cappella gospel group we’ve been friends and singing together since they met. Shirley started touring with Melvin Seals and JGB in 1998 part-time and is now touring full-time and loving it.
“I love the music and touching people to their souls makes me feel good and warm inside.”