A talented swing guitarist who was one of the earlier electric guitarists, Jimmy Shirley never achieved much fame (except among fellow musicians) despite his long career and obvious talents. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where he was taught guitar by his father. Shirley worked in Cincinnati with J. Frank Terry and Hal Draper (1934-36) and had his own group before moving to New York. Shirley was a part of the Clarence Profit Trio (1937-41), with whom he made his recording debut. After a period with Ella Fitzgerald (1942-43), Shirley played on and off with Herman Chittison (1944-54) and led his own bands in addition to working with Phil Moore and lesser-known names. He started doubling on electric bass in the early 1960's including with Buddy Tate (1967). Shirley, who recorded with Sidney DeParis (1944), Johnny Guarnieri (1975) and Stephane Grappelli (1978) among others, recorded a single number ("Jimmy's Blues") as a leader for Blue Note (1945) and headed just one album, a quartet set for Black & Blue in 1975. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
