Died On This Date (October 13, 1977) Shirley Brickley / The Orlons
themusicsover Shirley Brickley
December 9, 1944 – October 13, 1977
Shirley Brickley was a founding singer of R&B quartet, the Orlons. Formed in 1960 while the members were still Philadelphia high school students, the group later landed a record deal with Cameo Records. The Orlons had a handful of national hits during the ’60s. They included, “Don’t Hang Up,” “South Street,” and their most popular, “Wah-Watusi” which made it to #2 on the pop charts. They were also the backing vocalists on Dee Dee Sharp’s “Mashed Potato Time.” The group broke up in 1968. On October 13, 1977, 32-year-old Shirley Brickley was shot and killed in her home by an unknown intruder.
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