Shirley Ellis was an American soul music singer and songwriter during the 1960s. Known for her playful, rhythmic style, she gained fame with hits like "The Nitty Gritty," "The Clapping Song," and the novelty track "The Name Game." Her music, characterized by its catchy, sing-along quality, uniquely blended pop, R&B, and soul, and significantly contributed to the popular music scene in the mid-20th century. Despite a relatively brief recording career, Ellis's distinctive sound and lyrical creativity have left a lasting impact on the genre of soul music.