She has been accompanied by these world class musicians whose awards and credits are far too many to list. Shelley, both live and in the studio, has been blessed and honored to work with many of Nashville’s finest music industry legends. Music is really magical like that, it can pull your heartstrings, make you smile, cry, laugh, or even dance like nobody is watching.” But, I also think it is just as important to provide music that makes people cut loose and have a little fun. I am personally drawn to music that moves your heart and stirs your soul. She says “I think it is important for listeners to be able to be taken back to a certain place and time or to look at their current life situation and connect with what they hear on a personal level. “Connecting”…that is successful singing to Shelley, “That is what music is really about to me”. The soulfulness that comes from inside you, getting lost in the song you’re singing, singing from the heart….that’s what I love.”Ī large part of Shelley’s appeal and distinction has always been just that, singing her songs with the emotion and feelings that connect her listeners with their own life experiences, Shelley’s music moves listeners emotionally, whether it’s in a small listening room like the Bluebird Cafe, at a festival like Booms Day, or large venues such as Nissan Stadium. People felt and believed what she sang and I am drawn to those same things. “She had a real bluesy vibe that was very different from what was going on around her. She always points to her early hero, Patsy Cline. She loves blending styles and adding her own interpretation of all the singers that influenced her love for music. There’s no doubt she has been influenced by southern gospel, R&B, rock and country. The sounds she gravitates toward have a common thread a distinct soulful flavor. Shelley has spent years perfecting her trade, through live performance and studio work, learning the ropes and honing her style. With Career highlight experiences that include performing at The Ryman Auditorium, The Blue Bird Cafe, Tootsies World Famous Orchid Lounge, Nissan Stadium, Vanderbilt Stadium, WSM Radio and Fox 17 Morning Show, just to name a few, it wasn’t long before the music industry recognized Shelley as a very serious and talented member. She then connected with a friend and Memphis-based songwriter and performed at songwriter nights all over Nashville and eventually progressed to headlining her own shows, doing live radio and TV. ![]() ![]() It’s just always been there…there is always a song in my head.”Īfter moving to the music scene in Nashville, her first gigs came singing backup for a Music City R&B singer. “Our home has forever been filled with music. Music has always had a big presence in Shelley’s life, from her Grandfather’s Big Band career, to memories of her Dad singing soul/blues music with her as a child, to her step-dad singing with Opera Memphis, to her younger brother’s, Timmy Jones, current career as an award winning studio and touring drummer. ![]() “My previous band members teased and called me “Shelvis” because I grew up in Memphis, loved Elvis, AND he was my first live concert!”įrom an early age singing and performing was always a constant for Shelley, be it in church choir, competitive ensembles or just around the house with family back in Memphis. “I can’t be still and sing,” she smiles, recalling that early exposure to “The King”. Shelley’s early years were heavily influenced by musical greats such as Patsy Cline, Bonnie Raitt, Anita Baker, Stevie Nicks, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald, Elton John, Earth Wind & Fire, and Elvis. ![]() The rich musical landscape of the city focused around historic Beale Street-her maiden name, interestingly, is Beale- immersed young Shelley in sounds and styles unconcerned with the demands and categories of commercial music. A southern girl steeped in delta soul, she's carried a melody in her heart since her formative years, advancing an almost genetic predisposition to the art form.īorn and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Shelley is the granddaughter of a '30s-era big band leader, guitar/banjo player and songwriter who regularly opened for Guy Lombardo. Music runs through Shelley Ruffin's life with all the depth and breadth of the mighty Mississippi coursing past her hometown.
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