Shelby J

Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur, & Social Activist, Shelby Johnson — or as Prince dubbed her “Shelby J.” — is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina. She is the CEO of Blackgypsy Enterprises. Her company specializes in spreading positive messages through recorded Music, Books, Art, Fitness Training & Live Performances. The core messages being to inspire Love & Light. Shelby has performed with some of the greatest talent in recorded music history. She has toured & recorded nationally and internationally with her band Blackgypsy, Groove Theory, Mary J. Blige, Anthony Hamilton, D’Angelo, Santana, Larry Graham, and her mentor Prince!

Shelby’s musical career started in 1994 singing background vocals for the hit group Groove Theory. In 2000 she became the lone female member of D’Angelo’s band, “The Soultronics” performing with him in the highly acclaimed “Voodoo Tour” alongside close friend and Grammy Award winning R&B sensation Anthony Hamilton. In early 2003 Shelby collaborated, performed and toured with jazz trumpeting great, Roy Hargrove (Verve Records) and is the featured vocalist and co-writer of the tune “How I Know,” on his Grammy nominated CD The RH Factor. That same year Shelby became the voice of Kmart’s National “Right Here, Right Now” ad campaign. Thanks to Shelby’s soulful vocals, this is one of the most successful & recognizable retail ad campaigns for the company to date.