Shirley & Lee
New Orleans-based duo Shirley Goodman (b. 19 June 1936, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA) and Leonard Lee (b. 29 June 1936, d. 23 October 1976) began recording together in 1952. Billed as The Sweethearts Of The Blues, they enjoyed a series of US R&B hits, including I'm Gone (1952) and Feel So Good (1955), marked by the juxtaposition of Shirley's shrill, child-like intonation and Lee's bluesy counterpoint. In 1956 they crossed over into the pop US Top 20 with Let The Good Times Roll, a charming, infectious performance, written and arranged by Lee. The song became the first million-seller for the Aladdin label and is now regarded as an R&B standard. Shirley And Lee enjoyed minor hits with I Feel Good (1956) and When I Saw You (1957), before parting company in 1963. Shirley moved to the west coast, where she appeared on sessions for producer Harold Battiste and Dr. John, while Lee pursued a low-key solo career. His death in 1976 paradoxically coincided with Goodman's newfound popularity as leader of Shirley And Company.