Goodman, Shirley (1936–2005)
Goodman, Shirley (1936–2005)
African-American rhythm-and-blues singer. Name variations: Shirley Pixley; Shirley and Lee; Shirley; Shirley and Company. Born Shirley Pixley on June 19, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana; died July 5, 2005.
With Leonard Lee, formed duo Shirley and Lee, known as "sweethearts of the blues"; with Lee, made $2 demo of "I'm Gone" and was discovered by New Orleans studio owner Cosimo Matassa; with producer Dave Bartholomew, re-recorded "I'm Gone" with Lee, which hit #2 in R&B charts (1952); after few minor successes (early 1950s), had huge hit with "Let the Good Times Roll" and later with "I Feel Good" (1956), but did not become popular with white audiences; split with Lee (1963) and briefly sang with Jesse Hill as Shirley and Jesse; reunited with Lee for Richard Nader's Rock & Roll Revival Show (1972); had smash hit with disco song, "Shame, Shame, Shame" (1975).