Shirley Ellis
Shirley Ellis | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Shirley Marie O'Garra |
| Also known as | Shirley Ellis |
| Born | January 19, 1929 The Bronx, New York City, U.S. |
| Died | October 5, 2005 (aged 76) The Bronx, New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument | Voice |
| Years active | 1958–1968 |
| Labels | |
| Formerly of | The Metronomes |
Shirley Marie O'Garra (stage name Shirley Ellis, married name Shirley Elliston; January 19, 1929 – October 5, 2005) was an American soul music singer and songwriter of West Indian heritage. She is best known for her novelty hits "The Nitty Gritty" (1963, US no. 8), "The Name Game" (1964, US no. 3) and "The Clapping Song" (1965, US no. 8 and UK no. 6). "The Clapping Song" sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc.