Shirley Murdock

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Shirley Murdock, exploring its many facets and delving into its importance in different areas. From its impact on society to its implications in science and technology, Shirley Murdock has captured the attention of experts and enthusiasts alike. Throughout the next few lines, we will examine its origin, development and relevance in today's world, offering a detailed look that will allow us to better understand its influence and potential. Join us on this exciting journey to the heart of Shirley Murdock!

This article is about the singer. For the eponymous album from the singer, see Shirley Murdock!

Shirley Murdock
Birth nameShirley Murdock
Born (1957-05-22) May 22, 1957 (age 67)
Toledo, Ohio, U.S.[1]
Genres
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
Years active1986–present
LabelsElektra Records
Dexterity Sounds/EMI Gospel
Tyscot Records

Shirley Murdock (born May 22, 1957)[1] is an American R&B singer-songwriter. She is best known for her guest appearance alongside Charlie Wilson on Zapp and Roger's 1986 single "Computer Love", as well as her 1986 single, "As We Lay".[2] The latter peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spawned from her self-titled debut album (1986), released by Elektra Records.

Early life

Murdock was born on May 22, 1957 in Toledo, Ohio. She attended and graduated from St. Ursula Academy.[3]

Career

Murdock started out singing gospel music in her native Toledo.[2] Singer/musician Roger Troutman hired Murdock as a backing vocalist for his family's band Zapp, which had several hits on Warner Bros. (and its Reprise Records imprint).[2] Based on this success, Troutman began recording tracks with Murdock and lead singer Sugarfoot of the Ohio Players, among others, at his Dayton-based recording studio, Troutman Sound Labs.[2] Murdock and Troutman's first charted single was a Warner Bros. single issued as Roger (featuring Shirley Murdock), "Girl, Cut It Out", which charted at number 79 R&B in early 1985.[4]

Murdock signed with Elektra Records and released "No More", written by Shirley Murdock and Gregory Jackson (Cincinnati, Ohio funk keyboardist and member of Zapp), which made it to number 24 R&B in early 1986.[5] Then came her signature hit, "As We Lay", written by Zapp's Larry Troutman and keyboardist Billy Beck (of the Ohio Players). The tender, melancholy ballad made it to the R&B Top Ten in 1986 and peaked at number 23 pop and number 21 on the adult contemporary chart in early 1987.[5] Her debut album was certified gold, also helped along by the follow-up hits "Go on Without You" and "Be Free." She also released albums in 1988 (A Woman's Point of View) and 1991 (Let There Be Love!). In early 2000, Murdock toured in the inspirational/gospel play Be Careful What You Pray For with Cuba Gooding, Sr. and David Peaston.[1] Murdock appeared on T.D. Jakes' 1997 project Woman Thou Art Loosed, nominated for Grammy, as well as Jakes' 1999 release Sacred Love Songs.[6]

In 2002, Murdock released Home, her debut gospel-music album, on T.D. Jakes' Dexterity Sounds record label, and peaked at No. 9 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart on March 16, 2002.[7][7] The album is produced by a list of music engineers, alongside Murdock's husband, Dale Degroat. AllMusic review singled out album's highlights, such as: "We Need a Word From the Lord" (giving a "powerful, message-driven" performance); "Never Let You Down" ( "beautiful song of encouragement"; and inspirational song "The Dream That Would Not Die".[6]

She made her acting debut in the movie Sweating in the Spirit. Most recently, Murdock has signed with Tyscot Records and released her most recent album in March 2007.[8]

In 2009, Murdock collaborated with Teena Marie on the song "Soldier", from Marie's album Congo Square.[9] She also appeared in the 2009 stage play A Mother's Prayer, with Johnny Gill, Robin Givens, and Jermaine Crawford. She also appeared in "A Mother's Love" a stage play produced by Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker in 2014.

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
US
[10] 		US R&B
 US
Gos
1986 Shirley Murdock!
  • First studio album
  • Release date: February 18, 1986
  • Label: Elektra
 44 9 —
1988 A Woman's Point of View
  • Second studio album
  • Release date: May 31, 1988
  • Label: Elektra
 137 19 —
1991 Let There Be Love!
  • Third studio album
  • Release date: June 17, 1991
  • Label: Elektra
 — 22 —
2002 Home
  • Fourth studio album
  • Release date: February 26, 2002
  • Label: Chordant
 — — 9
2007 Soulfood
  • Fifth studio album
  • Release date: March 20, 2007
  • Label: Tyscot
 — 71 7[12]
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Live albums

Year Album details Peak
US Gos
2011 Live: The Journey
  • First live album
  • Release date: October 18, 2011
  • Label: Tyscot
 24[13]

Compilation albums

Year Album details
2001 The Very Best of Shirley Murdock

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions Album
US
[5] 		US
R&B
[5] 		US
A/C
[5] 		US
Dan
[5] 		US
Gos
 UK
[14]
1986 "No More" — 24 — 27 — — Shirley Murdock!
"Truth or Dare" — — — — — 60
"As We Lay" 23 5 21 — — —
1987 "Go on Without You" — 5 — — — —
"Be Free" — 86 — — — —
1988 "Husband" — 5 — — — — A Woman's Point of View
"Oh What a Feeling" — — — — — —
"Found My Way" — — — — — —
1991 "In Your Eyes" — 7 — — — — Let There Be Love!
"Stay with Me Tonight" — 34 — — — —
1992 "Let There Be Love!" — 89 — 47 — —
2007 "I Love Me Better Than That" — — — — 22[15] — Soulfood
2011 "Dream" — — — — 22 — Live: The Journey
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Shirley Murdock Page". Soulwalking.co.uk. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d Hogan, Ed. "Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  3. ^ Hamamy, Madison (July 22, 2021). "Homegrown talent: Toledo-raised performers headline African American Festival". Toledo Blade. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
  4. ^ "Roger Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography". Music VF. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Shirley Murdock Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography". Music VF. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Tim A. Smith. "Home – Shirley Murdock". AllMusic.
  7. ^ a b "Shirley Murdock > Chart History". Billboard.com. Retrieved September 28, 2017.
  8. ^ "GospelFlava News". December 14, 2006. Archived from the original on December 16, 2006.
  9. ^ "Congo Square : Teena Marie". Concord Entertainment Company. December 16, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  10. ^ "Artist / Shirley Murdock". Billboard Database. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  11. ^ "US Certifications > Shirley Murdock". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
  12. ^ "Shirley Murdock: Billboard Chart History". Billboard.com. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
  13. ^ "Shirley Murdock Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  14. ^ "UK Charts > Shirley Murdock". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  15. ^ "Shirley Murdock : Chart History". Billboard.com. Retrieved October 4, 2013.

Further reading

All Music Guide to Soul]