Shirley Ellis

American of West Indian origins Soul singer and songwriter. Married to Alphonso Elliston, lead singer of the group Metronomes (2). Best known for her novelty hits "The Nitty Gritty" (1963, US no. 8; CAN no. 19), "The Name Game" (1964, US no. 3; CAN no. 2) and "The Clapping Song" (1965, US no. 8; CAN no. 10, and UK no. 6). "The Clapping Song" sold over 1 million copies and was awarded a gold disc.