Today we celebrate Shelly West’s 60th birthday and the music she sang that stayed in our hearts. She is known to be the daughter of the legendary country singer Dottie West. Her talent as a singer is not overshadowed by her mother. She made a name for herself in the industry of country music.
The Beginning of her Career
Shelly began as a backup singer when she joined her mother on tour. After singing backup for her mother she joined her brother-in-law David Frizzell’s band. She had her first recording with Frizzell, “Lovin’ on Borrowed Time,” that lead her to sign with a record label. However, the label dropped Frizzell and Shelly soon. Her first No. 1 song to enter the country charts was a duet with Frizzell in 1981, “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma.” The song was first featured in the movie Any Which Way You Can. This was the first song that officially made her a musician.
Her Number One Songs
“You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma” peaked at No. 1 the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1981, for 1 week. Furthermore, it spent a total of 17 weeks on the chart. In her years as a musician, Shelly had a total of 2 number one songs and 4 top 10 songs that entered the Billboard charts. “Jose Cuervo” which was her other No. 1 song to enter the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1983 for 1 week. This was her number one solo single to enter the chart. Aside from having a solo career she also had some recording with David Frizzell on the beginning of her career.
Her Inspiration and Retirement
Shelly’s biggest inspiration to be a singer was her mother. Growing up she watched her mother rise to fame as a country singer and joining her on her tour lead her to the path of being a musician. However, after the death of her mother, she focused more of her time with her family.
She returned briefly to she perform with David Frizzell in 2012 and 2013. She is still doing fine and she is now celebrating her 60th birthday. Happy Birthday, Shelly West.
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birthday, dottie west, Shelly West