ARTIST SPOTLIGHT = Shelly West (3 songs)

This Cleveland OH-native singer-guitarist is the daughter of Dottie West & was married to Allen Frizzell (1977-1985).

#1
A chart-topping duet with David Frizzell for the movie ‘Any Which Way You Can’, starring Clint Eastwood, kicked off her career in 1981: “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma”. The pair had 3 more Top 10s, including 1 more Top 5: 1982’s “I Just Came Here To Dance” (#4). Then, she started her solo career with this tune, which debuted 02/12/1983, spent 23 weeks on the charts & claimed #1, her only solo chart topper.

#2
This song hit the airwaves 07/02/1983, spent 18 weeks on the charts & reached #4. It was sandwiched between 2 unsuccessful duets with David Frizzell, preceded by 1983’s “Cajun Invitation”, which stalled at #52, & followed by 1983’s “Pleasure Island” (#71). This single is the tune of hers I most remember from my childhood; when the sound of the plane comes late in the song, a friend thought something was wrong with the radio….

#3
This song debuted 11/05/1983, spent 18 weeks on the charts & peaked at #10 in early 1984. It was her last Top 10. Of 10 releases 1984-1986, 2 reached the Top 20, both duets in 1984 with David Frizzell: “Silent Partners” (#20) & “It’s A Be Together Night” (#13).