Shirley Ellis

1960s American Pop and R&B Singer-Songwriter

Soul singer - songwriter Shirley Marie O'Garra (stage name Shirley Ellis, married name Shirley Elliston; January 19, 1929 Bronx, New York – October 5, 2005) was an American soul music singer and songwriter.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 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 Lincoln Chase.She retired from the record business in 1968.