Miss Opal ... The First Lady ... Mamma ... however you address her, she is loved and respected by all!
Opal J. Shaw is a life-long resident of West Tennessee. Born in Fayette County on September 9, 1945 to Walter and Sallie Johnson, who were both pillars in their communities. She is the youngest of ten children, and the mother of three: Reginald Shaw, Rhonda Shaw and Tracy Shaw.
According to her mother, she began singing in church as soon as she could speak. After marrying Johnny in 1963, they combined her talents and became known as the world renowned Shaw Singers. Reading a newspaper article stating that one could record their music for $400, Opal gathered the music she had written and traveled to Memphis, TN, where the Shaw Singers recorded their debut singles in 1967. A former disc jockey by the name of Bro. Wade at WDIA AM in Memphis took some of their recordings on consignment and played one, "This Old Life Will Soon Be Over". It was then that the duo's singing career took flight. The Shaw Singers recorded a total of 33 singles, along with two albums. The First Lady wrote and arranged the vast majority of all recording.
"Special Prayer", a solo done by Opal, still lives on the airways to this day. Her music has taken her all over the world, including tours in Germany and France.
In 2000, Opal became the first African American female to hold the office of County Commissioner in Hardeman County, TN.
TOGETHER….THEY ARE THE WORLD RENOWNED “SHAW SINGERS”