Shirley's Daughter
About
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Shirley’s Daughter is a rising musical duo from St. Pete Beach, Florida, consisting of Sharon Waddell and Laurie Heltsley, bringing a breezy, ecclectic energy to stages up and down the Gulf Coast. Blending a strong catalog of folk, country, and rock with a growing number of original songs, the pair has built a loyal following in beachside bars and local music venues. Known for their powerful lead vocals, tight harmonies, and easygoing stage presence, Shirley’s Daughter delivers shows that are both polished and warmly engaging. Their performances carry a fun, coastal vibe while maintaining a degree of professionalism developed over decades of stage experience—earning them repeat audiences and a reputation as one of the most exciting up-and-coming acts in the local music scene.
At-A-Glance
Members: Sharon Waddell, Laurie Heltsley
Genre: Folk, Country, Rock
Influences: Brandi Carlile, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, P!nk
Demographic: 35-65
Representation: Midwest Artist Group
Publishing: A Million Midnights
Rates: Up to 2hrs $400, 3hrs $500
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Sharon Waddell
is a classically trained lead vocalist and musician whose sound seamlessly blends folk, country, rock, and pop into something entirely her own. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of the University of Georgia School of Music, Sharon brings both technical precision and raw emotional depth to every performance. A guitarist, seasoned songwriter, and producer, Sharon’s artistry is rooted in storytelling—crafting songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Over the years, she has fronted bands across a wide range of genres, shaping her versatile sound and deep musical perspective. Now based in St. Pete Beach, Florida, Sharon continues to evolve creatively as one half of the duo Shirley’s Daughter, exploring fresh creative directions while staying grounded in her genre-blending style.
Laurie Heltsley
has been a staple of the Country, Rock, and Americana music scenes for more than three decades in the Midwest and now Tampa Bay areas as a musician, vocalist, and songwriter. As a bassist and backing vocalist, Laurie has toured with various country artists and eventually co-founded Jamison Road, a collaboration whose original music and live performances continue to reach a broad, international audience. Laurie is a gifted songwriter, featuring stories and characters that are flawed and memorable. After a move to Florida from the Midwest, she now lends her talents and experiences to rising country/folk/rock duo Shirley’s Daughter from St Pete Beach, Florida. Laurie collects and plays Fender basses and Gibson acoustic guitars.
What’s with the name? Sharon and Laurie’s mothers are both big fans of music and both are named Shirley!
