Shirley Mae Jones was born On March 31, 1934, in Charleroi, Pennslyvania to parents Paul and Marjorie Jones. The couple named their only daughter after Shirley Temple another famous songbird, of whom was at the height of her fame at the time Shirley was born. When Shirley was three years of age, the family moved to another small town in Pennslyvania called Smithton. Smithton, being a small town gave baby Jones a carefree and happy childhood.

From the start, everyone knew Shirley was gifted with a beautiful voice and she began singing as a member of her church choir at the age of six. When she was twelve, Shirley began to train her voice in Pittsburgh, quite a far trip to make. She would have to be driven fifty miles away for an hour-long vocal session once a week. All the work paid off, for she had one of the best teachers in Pennslyvania.

After her graduation from high school, Shirley entered the Miss Pittsburgh contest and won. As part of her prize, she was to be sent to the Pittsburgh Playhouse Dramatic School and later became an apprentice. During this time, Jones went to New York and on a dare tried out for part in a Rogers and Hammerstein show. She got the part and Rogers and Hammerstein signed her to a contract personally--the only star that was given the option for their shows. Her talent carried her on not only to Broadway, but to movies (which included many great musicals), and later TV.

Shirley Married Jack Cassidy and became step mother to David Cassidy in 1956 and they had three children, Patrick, Shaun, and Ryan Cassidy and they got divorced in 1974. Soon after the divorce, Shirley was married to Marty Ingles in 1975 and remain together.

In roles such as Laurey Williams from Oklahoma and Marian in the Music Man, Miss Jones has stolen hearts again and again. Her impact on film and television will always be there. As Mrs. Partridge, a whole generation of children saw their ideal mother. Memorable roles are the true mark of an icon and she certainly has left her notes ringing in many hearts.

Jones continues to work in the entertainment industry. I saw her in concert in April of 2004 and she was simply stunning. A wonderful career and a wonderful lady, Shirley Jones will always remain the first lady of song.