Jimmy Shirley

A talented swing guitarist who was one of the earlier electric guitarists, Jimmy Shirley never achieved much fame (except among fellow musicians) despite his long career and obvious talents. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where he was taught guitar by his father. Shirley worked in Cincinnati with J. Frank Terry and Hal Draper (1934-1936) and had his own group before moving to New York. Shirley was a part of the Clarence Profit Trio (1937-1941), with whom he made his recording debut. After a period with Ella Fitzgerald (1942-1943), Shirley played on and off with Herman Chittison...