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Thanks to SONGSHINE, (5/2008) an Arts in Healthcare program at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA., entertainer Shirley Claire not only got her breath back and ......................... Shirley on YouTube (5/2010)

COACHELLA VALLEY'S SEASONED CITIZEN

By GREG PURDY

Media Relations Manager - Palm Springs Follies

"You know, ladies and gentlemen, they call us senior citizens, but I prefer the term seasoned citizens." So states Shirley Claire to her cheering audience, during the recent final performance of "Festival!", her long- running Las Vegas-style revue at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. "I've had two incredible, wonderful seasons with this show," states the voluptuous 68 year old desert resident.

'''Festival!' was the most rewarding show of my entire career. It was an amazing ensemble of caring."   The obvious question is, "What is a lady of 'her age" doing in a show with a cast of 20 year olds? "That's a good question," giggles Shirley. "I've always told our audiences that I have clothes in my closet older than these kids ........ designer clothes, of course," she dead-pans. "But I've absolutely loved working with these beautiful, talented singers and dancers, and judging by the audience reaction, they seem to like it too!" The axiom you're as young-as-you-feel has never been better exemplified than by this age-defying dynamo. ''When it comes right-down-to-it, chronological age is irrelevant. Attitude, exercise, diet, a reason to 'get-up' each morning are all more important than actual age. I spent three years with the Palm Springs Follies and people were always surprised at how we looked and what we did. People have the mistaken idea that at over 60, you're supposedto be in a wheelchair!" Fourteen years ago, I had back surgery and a prognosis that she may never walk again nearly did extinguish her indomitable spirit. "I was bedridden in screaming pain 24-hours a day for over two months. I prayed for a miracle and was determined this wasn't going to get me down. I was absolutely going to beat it. It wasn't easy. The mind and prayer are powerful, though. The body does have the ability to heal itself." "Adversity happens throughout a person's life and you just deal with it.," reiterates Shirley. ''When my first husband died, he left me with no life insurance and an infant child, so I had to go back to work singing. When my second husband died, it was 'on-the -road again.' After my third husband almost forced us into bankruptcy, while he was having an affair with another woman, I had to go to work once again ... that is after I nearly killed him during the divorce!." Shirley actually began her career at the age of 5 singing on amateur radio shows. "When I was 10, I was discovered by Ida Koverman, a very powerful woman at MGM during the grand days of the Hollywood musical. I auditioned for L.B. Mayer and was put under contract. We went to the studio school for fours hours and then took lessons for the remainder of the day. Rosie Rosenthal was my opera coach and Mineletha White taught classical voice, Jeanette Bates taught ballet, Kay Thompson taught popular singing and Roger Edens taught me piano, whenever he wasn't playing poker. I met some of the most famous members of the entertainment community and we really were in a fairy-tale world." After high school, she joined the Earl Carrol Vanities and became an Earl Carrol Girl. "The words, "THROUGH THESE PORTALS PASS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRLS IN THE WORLD" (CLICK) were written over the front door., recalls Shirley. "I remember Mr. Carrol once sending me a note, 'Tell the girl with the piano- keyboard teeth to shut her mouth.' He didn't like us to smile and we had to cover our bodies with make-up that looked like milk of magnesia." Click above to see Shirley as an Earl Carrol Girl. Later, she toured the U.S. with the Jack Fina Orchestra, the Jack Ross sextet, worked cruise ships and did numerous tours of the Orient. "I think some of the most poignant memories I have is of performing at military bases and hospitals. You never forget the sight of a man in a hospital bed with most of his body covered in napalm burns. Some experiences and sights change you forever." What's next for Shirley? "I don't have a clue! Whenever I think my career is almost over, another opportunity comes along and I keep working. I never dreamed I'd be doing what I've been doing since moving to Palm Springs. My mama lived to 100 years, so I have good genes. One thing I am thoroughly committed to is being an advocate for people over 60. Call me a 'Maggie Kuhn' (founder of the Gray Panthers) with sequins." Whatever the future holds, Shirley Claire will definitely be redefining how a seasoned citizen is supposed to act. "Our costume designers for 'Festival!' made me a break-away skirt with a thong body suit underneath!" "At first I was shocked, then I figured, 'Why not?' My secret? Spandex!", laughs Shirley. " It's an absolute miracle fabric. It doesn't give me my figure, but it keeps it from sagging! When I die, I hope to be buried in it ..............from my neck to my toes!"

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MS SENIOR AMERICA .....Shirley Claire

 

Two Time winner: Regional Ms Senior California

 

 

 

THE FOLLIES

Shirley (In the original follies.) and Riff Markowitz, Producer of the Follies

 

 

 

 

WORKING

STUDYING in the Maryland Hotel Coffee Shop - March 1966, Chicago IL

(Artist unknown)

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In the Coachella Valley.

THE CAST All of the above plus John Aylesworth on the far left and Bill Marks on the far right.

Shirley and Herb Jefferys

 

 

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Stroke Recovery Center, Palm Springs

Fashion Show - Apirl, 2009

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FOREVER YOUNG Pilot, November 2009

Shirley Claire and

Marilyn McCabe Kohler, Director of Ms Senior California of America Pagent Program

 

Marilyn, Michelle and Shirley 1

 

Marilyn, Michelle and Shirley 2

 

 

Stroke Recovery Center, Palm Springs

Fashion Show - April 2010

Photos: The Shirley Claire Collection

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Yours,

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The End

2008 - 2010 AND THE SHIRLEY CLAIRE COLLECTION OF PHOTOS . COPYRIGHT NOTE: THE USE OF THE CONTENT OF THIS WEBSITE BY ANYONE WITHOUT PERMISION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED.