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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
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