Shelley King, born on August 30, 1966 in Little Rock, Arkansas, is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. King began singing at age 4 in her grandmother’s church choir and later attended Sam Houston State University. After relocating to Austin in 1992, King formed the Shelley King Band and released the debut album Call of My Heart (1998), two of which tracks were later recorded by Toni Price. Subsequent releases include The Highway (2002), Rockin' the Dancehall (2004), Welcome Home (2009), Kick Up Your Heels (2019), and Madam Mystic (2023). Three songs from Kick Up Your Heels reached the top 5 on the Roots Music Report Top Country Blues Song Chart. King toured and collaborated with Carolyn Wonderland, Cindy Cashdollar, and Marcia Ball, and in 2008 was appointed the first female and youngest Official State Musician of Texas. King’s work earned Austin Music Awards, including Song of the Year (2001–2002) and Best Roots Rock (2004–2005).
