Shawn Amos is a musician and lyricist whose songs explore themes of race, history and masculinity. The enigmatically titled Thank You Shirl-ee May (A Love Story) is his third release.
Amos, based in Philadelphia, says his new concept album is a tender tribute to his mother, Shirlee Ellis Amos. Songs like " "New York City 1964" and "The Bottle Always Brings Me Down" explore the life of the singer known as Shir-lee May.
The son of Wally Amos -- the man behind the "Famous" Amos cookie -- Amos has called his new record a love letter to his mother. Sadly, he did not learn of his mother's short musical career until after she committed suicide in 2003. In the end, it was Amos's effort to cope with the loss that led him to make Thank You Shirl-ee May.
Copyright 2005 XPN
