Hillbilly-Music.com—The People. The Music. The History.
Shirlee Hunter
Born:  August 29, 1939
New Dominion Barn Dance
WDVA Virginia Barn Dance
WRVA Old Dominion Barn Dance

About The Artist

Shirlee Hunter was born a little town of Moneta, Virginia. When she was thirteen, the family moved to Vinton, Virginia, which is a suburb of Roanoke.

She started singing at an early age and her first public appearance was in a church play when she was just five years old. Later, she began doing appearances at local radio and television stations in Virginia and North Carolina, "...with an uncle who was one year older." The were called the "Two Little Hillbillies".

When she was just 12 years old, Shirlee won $200 in a contest at Danville, Virginia and later, tood first place in a solo contest at Galax, Virginia.

She appeared on the "Country Jubilee" show for three years over WLSL-TV while also appearing on the WDVA Barn Dancein Danville, Virginia with Glen Thompson.

From there, she became a featured performer on the WRVA Old Dominion Barn Dance and in turn, on the CBS network show, "Country Style". And even then, "The Country Sweetheart" as she was known, was still only a junior in high school.

They said she was 5'3" in her stocking feet then with brown eyes and brown hair.

Credits & Sources

  • Country Soung Roundup No. 55; June 1958; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT