Shirley's talent was discovered when her brother injured his hand. Her parents bought him a theater organ to help rebuild the dexterity in his hand. It was during that time Shirley took an interest in music. She performed many charity events at VFWs and American Legions plus local hospitals. Shirley began her career in music as the youngest member of the American Federation of Musicians in NJ at age eleven. During Shirley's high school years her Mom purchases Shirley her first synthesizer. Soon after, 3 more keyboards came to expand her sounds with all she needed to play her music.  However, soon life dealt Shirley her first tragic blow at age 16 her Mom passed away. For her remaining high school years Shirley performed wedding gigs and performed for many charity events. Soon after Shirley joined the rock band QUEST and toured the U.S. & the Virgin Islands. Shortly after coming home from the Quest tour life once again would be unkind. Just turning the age 21 her Dad passed away which was very hard on Shirley. He was so supportive of her music, built her keyboard's frames to stack her keyboards up on stage for her.  Shirley then join the group 7th House, a horn dance band performing nights at clubs and lounges most times 5 to 6 nights a week all year in the Northeast area of the United States .