Shirley Family Genealogy & History

Don Shirley was an acclaimed American classical and jazz pianist and composer, celebrated for his innovative blend of jazz with classical music influences. Known for his distinguished recordings with Cadence Records during the 1950s and 1960s, Shirley composed a range of works including organ symphonies, piano concertos, and a symphonic poem inspired by James Joyce's "Finnegans Wake." His career highlights include performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Shirley's life story, particularly his 1960s concert tours in the Deep South, was dramatized in the 2018 film "Green Book," highlighting his collaboration with driver and bodyguard Tony "Lip" Vallelonga.

Born on January 29, 1927, in Pensacola, Florida, Don Shirley was the son of Jamaican immigrants Stella Gertrude and Edwin S. Shirley, an Episcopal priest. This familial background played a significant role in shaping his early life and musical journey. Despite sometimes being misrepresented as Jamaican-born by his record label, Shirley’s roots were firmly planted in the United States, where he began his musical education at an early age, learning piano at two and playing the organ by three.

Laverne & Shirley is a renowned American television sitcom that aired on ABC from 1976 to 1983. The show, a spin-off of Happy Days, stars Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams as the titular characters, Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney. Known for its engaging physical comedy and catchy theme song "Making Our Dreams Come True," the sitcom quickly became a cultural phenomenon, reaching the status of the most-watched American television program by its third and fourth season. The series was created by Garry Marshall, Lowell Ganz, and Mark Rothman and received multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, cementing its place in television history.

Jerry Shirley, born Jeremy Duncan Tipson Shirley on February 4, 1952, in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, is a renowned English rock drummer. He gained fame as a member of Humble Pie, contributing his talents to all their albums. Apart from Humble Pie, Shirley is celebrated for his collaborations with iconic rock artists like Syd Barrett, Sammy Hagar, and John Entwistle. He co-founded the band Fastway and co-wrote their hit "Say What You Will." His career also includes stints with Waysted and contributions to the Deborah Bonham Band. Shirley's versatility extends beyond drumming, as he also worked as a disc jockey in Cleveland, Ohio, and authored a successful memoir about his experiences in the music industry.

Kellie Jane Shirley, born on July 11, 1981, is a versatile English actress renowned for her dynamic roles across film, television, theatre, and radio. She gained fame portraying Carly Wicks in BBC's "EastEnders" and Kirsty De La Croix in Sky One's "In the Long Run." Her diverse career includes notable performances in "The Office," "Casualty," and films like "Benediction" and "Bull." A member of the BAFTA Elevate cohort for 2020/21, Shirley is celebrated for championing underrepresented talent in the entertainment industry. Additionally, she has contributed as a columnist for Closer Magazine and co-hosted BBC Two's "Something for the Weekend."

Kellie Shirley has been married to writer Phil Davies since 2013, and the couple has twins and a son born in March 2023.