Shirley Ann Slaughter

Welcome to Shirley Ann Slaughter..s music page, you are more than welcome to drop by from time to time to see how Shirley is progressing.It really is a pleasure to introduce to you not just a talented vocalist with a four-octave range, but an entertainer who writes, sings, and a dancing choreographer with a love of modern, jazz, and ballet. Shirley Ann was born and raised in Philadelphia and has been singing since the age of 9 years young and has never stopped.It was at this time in her life, although very shy and bashful, Shirley would love to watch Shirley Temple movies. While home alone, unbeknown to her family Shirley would dress up and sing to her hearts content, imitating some of her musical icon..s Minnie Riperton, Tina Turner, Stephanie Mills, Deniece Williams, The Emotions, Nancy Wilson, Nina Simone, Natalie Cole, along with Diana Ross. Another vocal giant Shirley would duet with while playing his orchestrated sounds was Barry White.By the tender age of 12 years old Shirley Ann took up dancing, joining the world renowned Philadanco on North Preston Street, Philadelphia. Enter one of Shirley..s mentors, Joan Myers Brown, Founder Executive Artistic Director of the school. Joan asked of Shirley to consider in which entertainment direction did she wish to pursue…singing or dancing? In reality Shirley has never given either of these skills up, although the joy she brings to audiences from her deeply committed ability to deliver lyrical honesty, perhaps just tips the scales towards vocal excellence.Once working to earn some money, Shirley approached Artie Singer and Denise Artzeroumain for vocal coaching. From this came an audition with Richard Barrett to join The Three Degree’s as replacement to Sheila Ferguson. Here Shirley had to make a massive decision to become part of a trio or go it alone? Guess another home alone moment, her determination to keep solo won through.Around this period a sporting hero from the world of basketball by the name of Vernon Earl Monroe had formed Pretty Pearl Productions with a roster of a number of singers. Earl arranged for Bunny Sigler, much-respected writer, performer, and producer of many of Philadelphia International hits. While working with Shirley Ann, Bunny gave her possibly the most important advice one could ever give a young budding chanteuse…”Shirley you can sing, but you need to express more feeling.” This at the time was profound to this young artist’s ears.These words no matter how painful have stood the test of time, some years later when she next met Bunny after one of her performances he said to Shirley “ You got it now. Oh wow, she’s got it now.”One of the best examples of her career and an experience that brings a wry smile related to Shirley becoming a singing cocktail waitress at the Spirit of Philadelphia. Here the waitresses would entertain the clientele while singing songs from Broadway Show’s like “The Wiz” as well as serve cocktails, here Shirley..s knowledge of drinks was some what lacking. In fact most of her gratuities went to her co-workers who knew the drink combinations. One astute customer commented “Shirley you make a lousy waitress…but hell can you sing!”Later while entered in a talent contest Shirley was approached to release her debut release in 1991. A self-penned number called “Real Love” on a limited 12-inch vinyl release with some success in England.The folks across “the pond” in the UK have always held the culture of Soul music close to their hearts. Enter a music fan, John Carrier who interviewed Shirley for “ On The Scene” music magazine. Then teamed up with Universal Love Records to release a 7 track CD called “Philadelphia Soul” in January 2007 with the objective of bringing Shirley Ann Slaughter to a much wider audience. This project brought together musicians who hold this young lady in high esteem Kae Williams (Arranger and Keyboards), Jimmy Williams (Bass), Bobby Bennett (Guitar), Richard Tucker (Guitar), Elliott Lavin (Saxophone), Eddie Holman JR (Drums), Larry Gold (Cello), Mike Tarsia, Montez, Gordon Rice (Studio and Mixing Engineers), Carla Benson (Background Vocals), released on a label out of Philly.Shirley..s career has enabled her to work with Deniece Williams, Brenda Holloway, The Emotions, Jack Ashford of The Funk Brothers, Barbara Mason, Freda Payne, The Floaters, The Manhattans, Kim Weston, Bobby Taylor, Bloodstone, New Birth, The Contours, Gregory D Moore, Billy Butler, Gene Chandler, Russ Faith, Gerald Veasley, Bunny Sigler, and Little Isidore & The Inquisitors and Alfie Politt a truly plethora of talented artists from the world of music.Shirley has performed at the prestigious Hero..s and Legends Award’s in Los Angeles in 2005 & 2006. The ceremony celebrates and awards musical excellence in Leadership, Legacy, Pioneer, &Unsung Hero’s of Old School & New in entertainment. With the highlight of singing to Berry Gordy founder of the Motown Empire.Shirley Ann Slaughter has so much more to offer, stick with her as her career goes from strength to strength.Thank You So Much,Shirley Ann X