Shirley Ellis

American of West Indian origins Soul singer and songwriter.

Married to Alphonso Elliston, lead singer of the group [a439543].

Best known for her novelty hits "The Nitty Gritty" (1963, US no. 8; CAN no. 19), "The Name Game" (1964, US no. 3; CAN no. 2) and "The Clapping Song" (1965, US no. 8; CAN no. 10, and UK no. 6). "The Clapping Song" sold over 1 million copies and was awarded a gold disc. All her solo hits were written by her and her manager, record producer, and songwriting partner [a689632]. She retired from the record business in 1968.

Born: January 19, 1929 in the Bronx, New York

Died: October 5, 2005 in the Bronx, New York