Shirley Lites

Shirley Lites is an international recording sensation, having made her mark on Atlantic, West End, Arista, Karmic Power, and Midnight Riot Records. For 16 years, she led the band and provided background vocals for Billy Paul until his passing in April 2016. As the Philadelphia Network Director for NABFEME (National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment), Shirley is a powerhouse both on and off the stage.

Shirley’s talent has taken her across the globe, performing in Japan, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, London, Israel, Istanbul, Alaska, Algeria, Iceland, Portugal, Egypt, France, Greenland, and Honduras, among others. She has shared stages with legends like Barbara Mason, Jean Carne, Scherrie Payne, Angela Bofill, Melisa Morgan, Melba Moore, Miles Jaye, Gladys Knight, Dorothy Moore, Carl Carlton, The New Funkadelics, McFadden and Whitehead, Al Jarreau, Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewitt, and Chaka Khan.

Her debut commercial hit, “Heat You Up/Melt You Down” on West End Records, set the stage for her future successes. Shirley’s house version of Teena Marie’s “Deja Vu,” produced by Steve Mason of WDAS FM, is a standout track. Her collaboration with legendary producer Lenny Fontana, famous for his work with DTrain, resulted in the sizzling track “Fire,” which lit up the charts and dance floors in Europe, earning a feature as Mixmag’s Song of the Month in September 2018.

Known for her phenomenal vocal range and unique style, Shirley captivates audiences, earning standing ovations wherever she performs. She currently hosts “The Love Zone” on Philly Live Radio every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM, featuring love songs from today and yesterday. On Friday nights, she shifts gears with an upbeat show from 10 PM to 12 AM EST, playing House, Dance, Disco, R&B, Soul, Funk, Pop, and Neo Soul.

Shirley has also worked with Grammy Award-winning producer Butch Ingram, resulting in powerful covers of Syreeta Wright’s “Cause We Ended As Lovers” and Angela Bofill’s “You Should Know By Now.” Her latest release is a duet with Keni Jackson, former bassist and vocalist for Patti LaBelle and Earth, Wind & Fire. Their rendition of Syreeta Wright and GC Cameron’s classic “I Wanna Be By Your Side” will be available on all streaming platforms on July 26th, 2024.

Video

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Album of the Month

Various Artists

80s Soul Classics, Vol. 8

Choice Cut

Walter Beasley

"Come Live With Me"

Choice Cut

Paul Anthony

"Ready to Learn Your Love"

Choice Cut

Heidi Tann feat. Kinsman Dazz Band

"Island Summer"

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.