Sanity Sunday- Four by Shirley Ellis

by Nomad

This Sanity Sunday throws the spotlight on the songs of Shirley Ellis.

Even though it is not reflected in her music, Ellis was of West Indian origin with her father was a native of Montserrat and her mother was born in the Bahamas.
She recorded only three albums in her career (with two later compilation albums).

• 1964: In Action
• 1965: The Name Game
• 1967: Sugar, Let's Shing a Ling

In 1968, for unknown reasons, Ellis retired from the music industry. Before she passed at the age of 76 in 2005, her music had experienced something of a revival, (or perhaps better put, an appreciation) with lots and lots of cover versions made by diverse artists.

Let's get to the music.

Prepare yourself for one wild dance number with the song "The Nitty Gritty."  Along with "The Clapping Song" and of course, "The Name Game," this 1963 song was one of her many novelty hits.

After watching this clip about a dozen times, I still haven't decided if the dancers are incredibly cool or the dorkiest thing I've ever witnessed.
Whatever the case, this video clip, featuring Bob Banas, accumulated 3.6 million views in four years!

Ellis recorded the next song, "Get Out" for her 1964 album, In Action. I dedicate this tune to our Commander-in-Chief.

The next song, "Sugar, Let's Shing-A-Ling" was released on her album of the same name in 1967. Stay tuned for some big brass sound and some mean drum back beat.

"Soul Time" also comes from the 1967 album.

That's all for this Sanity musical break. Hope you enjoyed it. Have a great Sunday and here's hoping your week is filled with a balance of serenity and laughter. 

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