Shirley Ellis

ABOUT SHIRLEY ELLIS

Soul singer best remembered for her hit novelty songs, including 1965's "The Clapping Song," which sold over one million copies. Her music has lived on in popular culture through cover versions by artists like Madeline Bell and Aaron Carter .

She got her start as a songwriter for bands like The Chords. She was also a member of the group The Metronomes.

One of her biggest hits, "The Name Game," was featured prominently in an episode of American Horror Story of the same name.

She married Alphonso Elliston, lead singer of The Metronomes.

Her single "The Clapping Song" was performed by rapper Lil Kim on the NBC drama American Dreams.