After singing in church choirs, Shirley recorded her first demo with a group of friends in 1950. Some months later, her solo voice caught the attention of Aladdin Records owner Eddie Messner, who tracked her down and paired her as a duo with a school friend, Leonard Lee.
As "Shirley & Lee," they recorded their debut single "I’m Gone," produced by Cosimo Matassa, which reached #2 on the Billboard R&B charts in 1952. The record contrasted Goodman’s soprano with Leonard's baritone, in a way in which subsequent songwriters have suggested was influential on the development of ska and reggae.
In their early songs, they pretended as if they were sweethearts and were dubbed "the Sweethearts of the Blues." However, they changed style in 1956 and recorded "Let the Good Times Roll," which became their biggest hit reaching #1 on the R&B chart and #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although the follow-up, "Feel So Good" also made the charts, the duo’s later releases were less successful, and Goodman and Leonard split up in 1962. Leonard made some subsequent solo records with little success.
In the mid 1960s, Shirley Goodman moved to California, where she worked as a session singer on records by Sonny and Cher, Dr. John and others, and also formed a duo for a time with Jessie Hill. She sang backing vocals on The Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main Street album, but then briefly retired from the music industry.
Later in 1974, as Shirley Goodman Pixley, she was contacted by her friend Sylvia Robinson, previously of the duo Mickey and Sylvia and now co-owner of the All Platinum record label, and was persuaded to record the lead vocal on a dance track, "Shame, Shame, Shame." Credited to Shirley & Company, the record became an international pop hit, reaching #12 on the Billboard chart and presaging the disco boom. After a few further recordings and tours, Goodman finally retired from the music industry after returning to New Orleans in the late 1970s.
Let the Good Times Roll
Shirley & Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come on baby, let me thrill your soul
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
Come baby, yes, this is
This is something I just can't miss
Roll all night long
Come on baby, while the thrill is on
Come on baby, let us have some fun
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
Come on baby, just close the door
Come on baby, let's rock some more
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
Feel so good
When you're home
Come on baby, rock me all night long
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Come on baby, let me thrill your soul
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
Feel so good
When you're home
Come on baby, rock me all night long
Come on baby let the good times roll
Come on baby, let me thrill your soul
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
The song "Let the Good Times Roll" by Shirley & Lee is a classic R&B and rock and roll tune that encourages listeners to let go of their inhibitions and enjoy the moment. The song starts with the repeated phrase "Come on baby, let the good times roll" and goes on to express the desire to have fun, thrill the soul, and rock all night long. The song is upbeat and energetic with a catchy melody that invites the listener to join in the revelry.
One of the interesting things about this song is that it was originally released in 1956 but has been covered by many artists over the years, including Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, and Harry Nilsson. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to capture the spirit of the era in which it was written.
Another interesting aspect of this song is that it is a duet between Shirley Goodman and Leonard Lee, who were both from New Orleans and had been singing together since they were teenagers. Their chemistry and vocal harmonies are a highlight of the song and contribute to its infectious energy.
Overall, "Let the Good Times Roll" is a fun and lively song that celebrates the joy of being alive and in the moment. Its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a perfect choice for a party or dance, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Encouraging someone to have a good time and enjoy life
Come on baby, let me thrill your soul
Asking someone to allow them to excite and entertain them deeply
Roll all night long
To keep going and enjoy the good times without stopping
Yes, this is something I just can't miss
Expressing strong desire and excitement for the good times
Come baby, while the thrill is on
Asking someone to join and enjoy the good times while they last
Let us have some fun
Inviting someone to enjoy themselves and have a good time
Just close the door
To insulate themselves from outside distractions and focus on the good times
Let's rock some more
To continue enjoying and having a good time, especially through music
Feel so good when you're home
Expressing how wonderful it is to be in a good and enjoyable environment
Rock me all night long
Asking someone to continue to excite and entertain them all night
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Leonard Lee, Shirley Goodman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@imanim4844
One of my favorite songs! Their voices, the drum beat, etc. I could never get tired of this!! 💜🎶
@mattyg88
Was before my era but was introduced to this hearing it in the car rides along with all other hits of the doo-wop and Mo-Town era. Seems like it woulda been a great era to grow up in. Great music with vocals and beats and just a great time period all-around with less distractions and no social media. Things meant more back then such as actually watching a sporting event since they were rarely televised unless was a playoff game in that respective sport. Great song!
@conniegordon2465
After all these years, I still smile when I hear this song, especially Shirley’s voice. Such a sweet sound.
@penelopelopez8296
Do you recall the year this song came out? I know it was in the 1950s…can’t recall the year.
@gta6isstillcanceledsoz22
@Penelope Lopez think it wss 56
@MrThefox3
I had this blasting on the highway going home from work yesterday and got three thumbs up. People still love this music because it's the magic of "Rock and Roll"
@trukeesey8715
New Orleans
@joaquinveleta3159
I LOOOOOOOOVE IT!!!
@JoaquinLucero22420
Are you still alive?? It’s been 7 years since you posted this comment and a lot can happen in 7 years. Hopefully you are alive and well and if you do not respond, hopefully that means that you just forgot your YouTube password and this account is no longer active.
@user-gt5zs3jo9w
This can get u going anytime