Shirley & Lee

about

This New Orleans-based duo comprised Shirley Goodman (b. 19th June 1936, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. d. 5th July 2005, Cedar Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.) and Leonard Lee (b. 29th June 1936, d. 23rd October 1976). After singing in church choirs, Shirley recorded her first demo with a group of friends in 1950. Some months later, her solo voice caught the attention of Aladdin Records owner Eddie Messner, who tracked her down and paired her as a duo with a school friend, Leonard Lee. As "Shirley & Lee," they recorded their debut single "I’m Gone," produced by Cosimo Matassa, which reached #2 on the Billboard R&B charts in 1952. The record contrasted Goodman’s soprano with Leonard's baritone, in a way in which subsequent songwriters have suggested was influential on the development of ska and reggae. In their early songs, they pretended as if they were sweethearts and were dubbed "the Sweethearts of the Blues." However, they changed style in 1956 and recorded "Let the Good Times Roll," which became their biggest hit reaching #1 on the R&B chart and #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although the follow-up, "Feel So Good" also made the charts, the duo’s later releases were less successful, and Goodman and Leonard split up in 1962. Leonard made some subsequent solo records with little success. In the mid 1960s, Shirley Goodman moved to California, where she worked as a session singer on records by Sonny and Cher, Dr. John and others, and also formed a duo

top songs

albums

Aladdin '52-'59:Let The Good Times Roll

Let the Good Times Roll

Stand By Me [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

The Legendary Masters Series, Vol. 1

Presenting Shirley & Lee

The Sweethearts Of The Blues 1

Cry-Baby

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Where The Steps Were Started

Cry Baby

Stand By Me

The Legendary Master Series

A Date With John Waters

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