Some months later, her solo voice caught the attention of Aladdin Records owner Eddie Messner, who tracked her down and paired her as a duo with another school friend, Leonard Lee (June 29, 1935 – October 23, 1976).
The record contrasted Goodman's soprano with Leonard's baritone, in a way in which subsequent songwriters have suggested was influential on the development of ska and reggae.
In the mid-1960s, Goodman moved to California, where she worked as a session singer on records by Sonny and Cher, Dr. John and others, and also formed a duo for a time with Jessie Hill.
She sang backing vocals on The Rolling Stones' Exile On Main Street album, but then briefly retired from the music industry.
Credited to Shirley & Company, the record became an international pop hit, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart[7] and presaging the disco boom.