Shirley Murdock-DeGroat first started singing Gospel music in her native Toledo, Ohio. After hooking up with Roger Troutman, she sung with Roger's group ZAPP, The Human Body, Roger's solo recordings, and Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner's 1985 Warner Brothers solo debut, "Sugar Kiss".
Shirley's first chart appearance came courtesy of a 1985 Roger single on the Warner Brothers imprint titled, "Girl, Cut It Out" culled from his second solo album, "The Saga Continues". The song charted at #70 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles Chart.
On February 26, 1986, Shirley's debut album, "Shirley Murdock!" was released. The album's first single, "No More", made it into the Top 30 Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart at position #24. In addition, the album spawned (2) Top 10 Billboard Hot R&B Singles, "As We Lay", and "Go On Without You". "As We Lay" also made it into the Top 30 of Billboard's Top 100 Hot Singles Chart .... in other words, it went Top 30 Pop. Also, "As We Lay" made it's way into the Top 25 of Billboard's Adult Contemporary Singles chart at #21. Another single, "Be Free", peaked at #86 on Billboards Hot R&B Singles chart.
Many great musicians and singers participated on this very strong debut, and they include many in Roger Troutman's stable of melody makers. The nimbled fingers on the lead and rhythm guitars came courtesy of Roger himself. Keyboards were performed by Shirley's husband Dale Anthony DeGroat, Terry "Zapp" Troutman, Billy Beck, Gregory Jackson, Roger Troutman, and Roger's then, I believe 16 year old son, Roger Troutman, Jr. Drums were performed by Lester Troutman. On Conga Drums you had, once again, Lester Troutman and Robert "Kuumba" Jones. Horns were tooted by Zapp and Roger Troutman, Aaron Blackmon, and Sherman Fleetwood.
Background vocal duties were relegated to Gregory Jackson, Janetta Boyce, Dale DeGroat, Billy Beck, Larry Hatcher, Ray "Stingray" Davis, Roger & Larry Troutman, and last, but certainly not least, Shirley Murdock-DeGroat herself.
Let's take a closer look at these songs, and two other selections from this spectacular album from one of R&B's, and Gospel's finest singers, Mrs. Shirley Murdock-DeGroat.
"Be Free" ~ {Written by Roger & Larry Troutman}
This song is an upbeat and fun song, that features, once again, the reliable chicken scratched guitar of Roger. Another stand out sonic delight is the Simmons Electronic Drum Pad performance of Lester Troutman. You couldn't help but be mesmerized by the droned space out chords of the synthesizer in the background. The doo wop style background vocals is a nice compliment to Shirley's acrobatic vocal delivery declaring how she's going out on the town to live it up ! The repetitive bass synthesizer rhythm part resembles that of Prince's synthesizer lines in Purple Rains' "I Would Die For You".
"No More" ~ {Written by Roger and Larry Troutman, Gregory Jackson, and Shirley Murdock-DeGroat}
Is another mid tempo'd bouncy bass synthed track whose choruses treads on the melodies of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis' S.O.S. Band productions. You can hear the guitar licks of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean". The drums here are mainly programmed, but keeps the tempo well within the overall "feel of the song". Our man Roger T. ripped into a blazing heavy metal-esque lead guitar solo in the bridge. Towards the end of the song you'll hear the left and right stereo panned vocal of Shirley as she demands the object of her desire to "pick up the phone". Shirley's lead vocal is at time commanding, sexy, and downright soulful, as one would expect from this heaven sent "Songbird!".
The beautifully arranged "Go On Without You" ~ {Written by Roger and Larry Troutman}
This song can easily be interpreted into a Gospel song, and I'm quite surprised Shirley didn't rerecord it to reflect it's inspirational overtones. It's actually a sad song particularly if you're going through a painful divorce or break up. A song like this could send ONE over the deep end :-( ...... BUT DON'T DO THAT !!!!!! I DON'T THINK THAT'S WHAT ROGER AND LARRY HAD IN MIND WHEN THEY WROTE IT !! SO DON'T DO ANYTHING RASH !! LOL ! :-) ...... The instrumentation of the electric bass, live drums, jazzy guitar licks, the subtle performed chords on the synthesizers, a short, but excellent electric guitar solo from Roger, and of course, the dynamic lead vocal of Shirley, just make this song a ...... CLASSIC !!! The only way I could put it ! ...... BRILLIANT !!! SHEER BRILLIANCE ON SHIRLEY'S PART !! {{{{ To hear for yourselves, refer to the YouTube audio clip below}}}}
"As We Lay" ~ {Written by Roger Troutman and Billy Beck}
This song is a perfect example of how less is more. The instrumentation is minimal, but it's very effective in that it solely concentrates on Shirley's incredible dynamic vocal range. .... Ladies and gentlemen, I can't, and there's NO WAY to possibly describe her vocal prowess on this track. It's flawless ! It's compelling in that it draws you in ! It's mind boggling how she can effortlessly sing those notes with such control and depth. Simply put, Shirley Murdock-DeGroat is a true singer in every sense of the word ! ..... NO ! I TAKE THAT BACK !! She's NOT a singer ......... SHE'S A SANGER !!!!! ....... A HUUUUUUUUGE DIFFERENCE LADIES & GENTLEMEN !!! ... and please don't confuse the two ! :-( ................. Oh ! You don't believe me ?!?!?! ...... OK !
{{{{Just refer to the YouTube audio only clip below. As an added bonus, check out a live performance to hear for yourselves. Even Kelly Price knew what time it was when she took on this "diamond" of a song and made it her own. See the VEVO video clip below. Shirley even made a cameo appearance in the beginning of the video. }}}}}
"Teaser" ~ {Written by Gregory Jackson, Shirley Murdock, and Roger Troutman}
Okay now, back to the Funk ! The Mini-Moog Bass Synthesizer stands it's ground on this hip shaker, with the percussions having it's back. Once again, the droned sustained synthesizer chords hovers over you like a mist in the night, and his Roger throws down on his usual funky guitar plucks and strums. Yet again, a killer synthesizer solo is thrown in to give this track it's funk certification. Shirley's down and gritty upper alto vocal range, set the stage for one of her finest performances on wax. Her vocal runs will surely throw circles around as you're just standing there in amazement, wondering how she does it ?! ..... and that's an easy answer, ...... GOD !
On May 7, 1987, "Shirley Murdock!", was certified GOLD by the R.I.A.A. {The Recording Association Of America}, signifying sales of over 500,000 units.
Shirley went on to record two more excellent albums for Elektra Records. 1988's "A Woman's Point Of View" that contained the hit Top 10 Billboard Hot R&B Singles song, "Husband", which peaked at #5. In 1991, she recorded the dance oriented, but equally fantastic, "Let There Be Love" containing another Top 10 Billboard Hot R&B Singles song, "In Your Eyes". Aside from a 2001 Rhino/Atlantic career retrospective CD, "The Very Best of Shirley Murdock", the public was not blessed with a new studio recording between 1992 and 2001.
In 2002, Shirley came back on the scene, this time with a fabulous Gospel offering, Chordant/EMI's, "Home". Another five years would go by until she recorded another Gospel oriented album. This time, and for the first time in her illustrious career, she released a project through an independent record company, the Indianapolis, Indiana based, Tyscot Records, 2007's, "Soulfood". That album contained what is considered a Gospel standard, "I Love Me Better Than That". {{{{ Please refer to the YouTube video clip below. As an added bonus, you'll find another live Gospel performance staple in her repertoire, "Usher Me" taken from Bishop T.D. Jakes' 1999 Island Records release, "Sacred Love Songs"}}}}
According to published reports, Shirley is set to release her first ever Live CD/DVD in October 2011, titled, "The Journey". This event to took place on April 28th, 2011 at The Broadcast Group Complex in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Gospel great Beverly Crawford, and Kelly Price both appear with Shirley on this, what will be, a historical CD/DVD event. ..... That's right, yours truly will be writing a piece on this, what I already know, will be a Grammy Award winning project ! ......... I CAN'T WAIT !!!! :-)
Musically Yours,
Ran Man
Shirley Murdock's Fan Page on Facebook : www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1517605942#!/pages/Shirley-Murdock/138053567564
TO PURCHASE SHIRLEY MURDOCK'S MUSIC, PLEASE REFER TO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES :
CDBaby.Com :{Single} "Change We Can Believe In" Featuring her husband, Mr. Dale Anthony DeGroat : www.cdbaby.com/cd/shirleymurdock2
"The Shirley Murdock Store" at Amazon.Com : www.amazon.com/Shirley-Murdock/e/B000AQ1CM4/ref=sr_1_10?qid=1309059254&sr=1-10-ent
Shirley's first chart appearance came courtesy of a 1985 Roger single on the Warner Brothers imprint titled, "Girl, Cut It Out" culled from his second solo album, "The Saga Continues". The song charted at #70 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles Chart.
On February 26, 1986, Shirley's debut album, "Shirley Murdock!" was released. The album's first single, "No More", made it into the Top 30 Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart at position #24. In addition, the album spawned (2) Top 10 Billboard Hot R&B Singles, "As We Lay", and "Go On Without You". "As We Lay" also made it into the Top 30 of Billboard's Top 100 Hot Singles Chart .... in other words, it went Top 30 Pop. Also, "As We Lay" made it's way into the Top 25 of Billboard's Adult Contemporary Singles chart at #21. Another single, "Be Free", peaked at #86 on Billboards Hot R&B Singles chart.
Many great musicians and singers participated on this very strong debut, and they include many in Roger Troutman's stable of melody makers. The nimbled fingers on the lead and rhythm guitars came courtesy of Roger himself. Keyboards were performed by Shirley's husband Dale Anthony DeGroat, Terry "Zapp" Troutman, Billy Beck, Gregory Jackson, Roger Troutman, and Roger's then, I believe 16 year old son, Roger Troutman, Jr. Drums were performed by Lester Troutman. On Conga Drums you had, once again, Lester Troutman and Robert "Kuumba" Jones. Horns were tooted by Zapp and Roger Troutman, Aaron Blackmon, and Sherman Fleetwood.
Background vocal duties were relegated to Gregory Jackson, Janetta Boyce, Dale DeGroat, Billy Beck, Larry Hatcher, Ray "Stingray" Davis, Roger & Larry Troutman, and last, but certainly not least, Shirley Murdock-DeGroat herself.
Let's take a closer look at these songs, and two other selections from this spectacular album from one of R&B's, and Gospel's finest singers, Mrs. Shirley Murdock-DeGroat.
"Be Free" ~ {Written by Roger & Larry Troutman}
This song is an upbeat and fun song, that features, once again, the reliable chicken scratched guitar of Roger. Another stand out sonic delight is the Simmons Electronic Drum Pad performance of Lester Troutman. You couldn't help but be mesmerized by the droned space out chords of the synthesizer in the background. The doo wop style background vocals is a nice compliment to Shirley's acrobatic vocal delivery declaring how she's going out on the town to live it up ! The repetitive bass synthesizer rhythm part resembles that of Prince's synthesizer lines in Purple Rains' "I Would Die For You".
"No More" ~ {Written by Roger and Larry Troutman, Gregory Jackson, and Shirley Murdock-DeGroat}
Is another mid tempo'd bouncy bass synthed track whose choruses treads on the melodies of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis' S.O.S. Band productions. You can hear the guitar licks of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean". The drums here are mainly programmed, but keeps the tempo well within the overall "feel of the song". Our man Roger T. ripped into a blazing heavy metal-esque lead guitar solo in the bridge. Towards the end of the song you'll hear the left and right stereo panned vocal of Shirley as she demands the object of her desire to "pick up the phone". Shirley's lead vocal is at time commanding, sexy, and downright soulful, as one would expect from this heaven sent "Songbird!".
The beautifully arranged "Go On Without You" ~ {Written by Roger and Larry Troutman}
This song can easily be interpreted into a Gospel song, and I'm quite surprised Shirley didn't rerecord it to reflect it's inspirational overtones. It's actually a sad song particularly if you're going through a painful divorce or break up. A song like this could send ONE over the deep end :-( ...... BUT DON'T DO THAT !!!!!! I DON'T THINK THAT'S WHAT ROGER AND LARRY HAD IN MIND WHEN THEY WROTE IT !! SO DON'T DO ANYTHING RASH !! LOL ! :-) ...... The instrumentation of the electric bass, live drums, jazzy guitar licks, the subtle performed chords on the synthesizers, a short, but excellent electric guitar solo from Roger, and of course, the dynamic lead vocal of Shirley, just make this song a ...... CLASSIC !!! The only way I could put it ! ...... BRILLIANT !!! SHEER BRILLIANCE ON SHIRLEY'S PART !! {{{{ To hear for yourselves, refer to the YouTube audio clip below}}}}
"As We Lay" ~ {Written by Roger Troutman and Billy Beck}
This song is a perfect example of how less is more. The instrumentation is minimal, but it's very effective in that it solely concentrates on Shirley's incredible dynamic vocal range. .... Ladies and gentlemen, I can't, and there's NO WAY to possibly describe her vocal prowess on this track. It's flawless ! It's compelling in that it draws you in ! It's mind boggling how she can effortlessly sing those notes with such control and depth. Simply put, Shirley Murdock-DeGroat is a true singer in every sense of the word ! ..... NO ! I TAKE THAT BACK !! She's NOT a singer ......... SHE'S A SANGER !!!!! ....... A HUUUUUUUUGE DIFFERENCE LADIES & GENTLEMEN !!! ... and please don't confuse the two ! :-( ................. Oh ! You don't believe me ?!?!?! ...... OK !
{{{{Just refer to the YouTube audio only clip below. As an added bonus, check out a live performance to hear for yourselves. Even Kelly Price knew what time it was when she took on this "diamond" of a song and made it her own. See the VEVO video clip below. Shirley even made a cameo appearance in the beginning of the video. }}}}}
"Teaser" ~ {Written by Gregory Jackson, Shirley Murdock, and Roger Troutman}
Okay now, back to the Funk ! The Mini-Moog Bass Synthesizer stands it's ground on this hip shaker, with the percussions having it's back. Once again, the droned sustained synthesizer chords hovers over you like a mist in the night, and his Roger throws down on his usual funky guitar plucks and strums. Yet again, a killer synthesizer solo is thrown in to give this track it's funk certification. Shirley's down and gritty upper alto vocal range, set the stage for one of her finest performances on wax. Her vocal runs will surely throw circles around as you're just standing there in amazement, wondering how she does it ?! ..... and that's an easy answer, ...... GOD !
On May 7, 1987, "Shirley Murdock!", was certified GOLD by the R.I.A.A. {The Recording Association Of America}, signifying sales of over 500,000 units.
Shirley went on to record two more excellent albums for Elektra Records. 1988's "A Woman's Point Of View" that contained the hit Top 10 Billboard Hot R&B Singles song, "Husband", which peaked at #5. In 1991, she recorded the dance oriented, but equally fantastic, "Let There Be Love" containing another Top 10 Billboard Hot R&B Singles song, "In Your Eyes". Aside from a 2001 Rhino/Atlantic career retrospective CD, "The Very Best of Shirley Murdock", the public was not blessed with a new studio recording between 1992 and 2001.
In 2002, Shirley came back on the scene, this time with a fabulous Gospel offering, Chordant/EMI's, "Home". Another five years would go by until she recorded another Gospel oriented album. This time, and for the first time in her illustrious career, she released a project through an independent record company, the Indianapolis, Indiana based, Tyscot Records, 2007's, "Soulfood". That album contained what is considered a Gospel standard, "I Love Me Better Than That". {{{{ Please refer to the YouTube video clip below. As an added bonus, you'll find another live Gospel performance staple in her repertoire, "Usher Me" taken from Bishop T.D. Jakes' 1999 Island Records release, "Sacred Love Songs"}}}}
According to published reports, Shirley is set to release her first ever Live CD/DVD in October 2011, titled, "The Journey". This event to took place on April 28th, 2011 at The Broadcast Group Complex in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Gospel great Beverly Crawford, and Kelly Price both appear with Shirley on this, what will be, a historical CD/DVD event. ..... That's right, yours truly will be writing a piece on this, what I already know, will be a Grammy Award winning project ! ......... I CAN'T WAIT !!!! :-)
Musically Yours,
Ran Man
"Go On Without You"
"As We Lay" {Studio Version}
"As We Lay" {Live at The Soul Food Festival-Year Unknown}
Kelly Price's rendition of "As We Lay" from her 2000 Def Soul/Island Def Jam release, the R.I.A.A. Platinum certified, "Mirror Mirror"
"I Love Me Better Than That" {Live}
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, GA.
"Usher Me" {Please excuse the video and audio quality, it's the message and performance I'd like you to concentrate on, Thank You :-).. }
Shirley's MySpace Page : www.myspace.com/shirleymurdockministries
Shirley Murdock's Fan Page on Facebook : www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1517605942#!/pages/Shirley-Murdock/138053567564
TO PURCHASE SHIRLEY MURDOCK'S MUSIC, PLEASE REFER TO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES :
CDBaby.Com :{Single} "Change We Can Believe In" Featuring her husband, Mr. Dale Anthony DeGroat : www.cdbaby.com/cd/shirleymurdock2
"The Shirley Murdock Store" at Amazon.Com : www.amazon.com/Shirley-Murdock/e/B000AQ1CM4/ref=sr_1_10?qid=1309059254&sr=1-10-ent
