Kingston Crossroads: Re: Question about "This is for Shirley" in "It Takes a Worried Man"

... and Airplane!, with Leslie Nielsen, that picked up on that style of comedy years later.

Previous Message

Walton, I don't know if "Shirley" was a real person.
So I'm going to venture a guess.

Possibly, "Shirley" was a punchline designed to mock the song's opening lyrics:

>>> "It Takes A Worried Man To Sing A Worried Song"

Previous Message

Near the beginning of the Kingston Trio recording of It Takes a Worried Man, someone says, "This is for Shirley."

I've wondered about this for years. I have a vague recollection of once reading that Shirley may have been a songwriter, arranger, or someone associated with the recording session, but I can no longer find that reference and may be remembering it incorrectly.

Does anyone know who Shirley was, or have a source (liner notes, interview, session notes, etc.) that explains the dedication?