Shirley Alston-Reeves (10th June Birthday)

[john poole]

Shirley Owens aka Shirley Alston aka Shirley Alston-Reeves aka "Lady Rose" - born 10th June, 1941 (Henderson, North Carolina) - the main lead singer with the Shirelles (Doris Coley also sang a lead on a few songs, including 'Dedicated to the One I Love'). Shirley was the only Shirelle to appear on the record of 'Baby It's You', adding her voice to the original demo.

The Shirelles with Afros ca. 1970 - lip syncing the original 1960 recording of 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' (down to a trio as Doris had left at the end of 1966; returning later in the 70s)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBd0d21oBOc

Shirley later went solo, but would reunite with the others for ceremonies including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 where they performed 'Soldier Boy' (again only three as original member Micki Harris had passed on in 1982)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0XfFIXUlmw

Shirley last year appearing during the Broadway show "Baby It's You" (based on the Shirelles) and singing 'A Thing of the Past' (cut, unfortunately)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA_btdGM3OE

Beverly Lee the only other surviving original Shirelle retains the right to the name and has a current version of the group,

[AndyM]

I like how the Spanish commentator refers to the Shirelles' songs as 'little adolescent symphonies' - though I'd question the word 'little'!