Betty Shirley is an old school vocalist extraordinaire, artist, and teacher whose extensive repertoire ranges through modern and traditional jazz, blues, R&B, bossa nova, and her own original, soulful compositions. Critics laud her range and vocal skills, while audiences love her engaging and warm performances. Shirley combines her innate humor and sensitivity with her amazing vocal range and scatting ability to freshen up any jazz vocal landscape.  

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Shirley was raised in Chicago, but took off for New York at 16 to become a jazz singer, and she soon was performing at legendary clubs like Birdland and the Village Gate. She moved to New Orleans in the early 1990s, and quickly became a regular performer and fan favorite at festivals and clubs like Dos Jefes, the Royal Sonesta, and Snug Harbor. She’s toured Europe and South America, and played with some of the best: Ellis Marsalis, Benny Green, and Art Blakey, Jr., for example. She’s won numerous accolades, including being named a New Orleans magazine Jazz All-Star and earning a Big Easy Best Jazz Vocalist honor. Shirley has released four records, including the 2025 SuMayy, recorded with Simon Lott on drums, Quinn Sternberg on bass, and William Thompson IV on piano.