Shirley Elliston

American of West Indian origins Soul singer and songwriter. Best know as Shirley Ellis. Married to Alphonso Elliston, lead singer of the group Metronomes (2). 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. Born: January 19, 1929 in the Bronx, New York Died: October 5, 2005 in the Bronx, New York