While growing up in Cleveland, he was taught guitar by his father. In 1937, he moved to New York City and spent four years with the
Clarence Profit Trio. In 1940, he recorded with
Wingy Carpenter. He worked with
Ella Fitzgerald from 1942 to 1943 and with
Phil Moore and
Herman Chittison. During the 1940s, he recorded with
Clyde Bernhardt,
Sid Catlett,
Sidney De Paris,
Edmond Hall,
John Hardee,
Coleman Hawkins,
Art Hodes,
Billie Holiday,
James P. Johnson,
Pete Johnson,
Billy Kyle, and
Ram Ramirez. Beginning in the 1950s, Shirley played less swing guitar, more blues, jump blues, and rock and roll. He recorded or accompanied singers
Wynonie Harris,
Jimmy Rushing,
Screamin' Jay Hawkins,
Little Willie John,
Rose Murphy and
Barbara Lea. He performed in Europe during the 1970s, recorded the album
Steff and Slam with
Stéphane Grappelli and
Slam Stewart, and
China Boy (
Black and Blue, 1975), his only album as a leader. ==References==