Shelley grew up on the west coast singing 4 part gospel and hymns with her family. She learned hard work and promotion watching her parents book their own tours, and do their own sound. After college in the early 90s, Shelley formed a wildly popular trio with her, flute and guitar called Pyramid Breakfast. She met her husband Cal who joined as the bass player. They then formed her own pop/80s group Shelley James musicbox in 1997. That same year, she joined as an original member of 12 piece disco/funk band Satin Love Orchestra now in its 20th year. The founder of that group is writer/producer Christopher Stevens (Toby Mac, Kenny Chesney). While in Los Angeles, Shelley befriended Sheila E., Terron Brooks, and other great musicians. She performed at the Disney Concert Hall with the Escovedo Family Orchestra in their Christmas Concert in 2006. Shelley has self-produced 3 full length recordings, enjoying the overdub process of her own voice the likes of the Carpenters.