Shame Shame Shame by Shirley & Company

Album: Shame Shame Shame (1975)

Charted: 6 12

License This Song

Songfacts®:

This song was written and produced by Sylvia Robinson, co-owner of the All Platinum record label. It was intended for All Platinum artist Donnie Elbert. When that did not work out, Robinson paired veteran blues vocalist Shirley Goodman with All Platinum artist Jesus Alvarez. The recording became an international disco hit.
Donnie Elbert claimed that he originally wrote this song. According to Elbert, he took the song to England to get a record deal. When All Platinum heard what he was doing, they recorded some songs that Elbert had left behind in the studio (including this one) with a newly signed group called Shirley & Company. The argument was not resolved in Elbert's favor, and Sylvia Robinson remains the sole writer credited.
Shirley Goodman is a New Orleans born singer who was half of the 1950's R&B duo Shirley & Lee. They had an American Top 20 hit with "Let the Good Times Roll" in 1956. Goodman has provided vocals for The Rolling Stones and Dr. John, amongst others.
Songwriter Sylvia Robinson was originally from another '50s duo, Mickey and Sylvia.
This was featured in the pilot episode of The Sopranos in 1999.

Comments: 3

Camille from Toronto, OhPairing veteran blues vocalist Shirley Goodman with All Platinum artist Jesus Alvarez was a stroke of genius! This is one of those songs that leaves you much happier than your were just before you heard it. Love how Shirley's voice is so pure and then Jesus comes in screaming, altho still very much in tune. They should play this more on the radio. I'm surprised to see it was popular in 1975, I would have thought it came out in the late 70s or early 80s.
Paul from Croydon, PaI remember skipping school in 74-75, taking the train to center city Philly and hearing this song blaring from the music shops along Chestnut St. alongside of the movie theaters when the Who's "Tommy" was the big sensation. With such an infectious beat and guitar/banjo riff, you could'nt help but smile at and get involved in a little sidewalk shuffling with the sisters standing in the doorways... we weren't quite sure what was around the corner musically but songs like this helped lead the way for what was to come. A simple song - and yes, simple pleasures are truly the BEST! Shake 'yo tailfeathers, mama! Peace!
Alf from Kingston, CanadaAwesome song, grade 6 memories, luv it.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Addicted To LoveRobert Palmer

The models in Robert Palmer's iconic "Addicted To Love" video were chosen in part because they couldn't play music, so they're all playing and moving to different rhythms.

Blaze Of GloryJon Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi earned his first movie credit - Young Guns II - by writing "Blaze Of Glory" for the film.

Blowin' In The WindBob Dylan

Bob Dylan was little known when he released "Blowin' In The Wind" so the cover versions - especially by Peter, Paul and Mary and Stan Getz - were much more popular at the time.

You Are A TouristDeath Cab for Cutie

The music video for "You Are A Tourist" by Death Cab For Cutie was done live on the internet, becoming the first live, scripted, single-take music video recorded that way.