But Beverly Lee, the only remaining original Shirelle, is far from being a material girl. Her reaction to being awarded the highest honor in the music business reveals what type of person she is.

She said being inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame is an incredible feeling.

It was a magical night, she said. It is nice to know the songs we sing touch peoples’ hearts, and that we will be a part of history as the years go on.

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The original members of The Shirelles, Doris Jackson and Shirley Alston Reedes, were honored with Lee for their excellence in music. The latest line-up features Shirley Marshall Alston, Diane Spann-Miller and Lee.

Saturday’s concert at 7:30 p.m. in Shryock Auditorium will be the first one since the induction into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

The Shirelles have played for Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Carter. Its songs have been recorded by the Beatles, Aretha Franklin, and Linda Ronstandt.

Lee said that even after 35 years, taking the stage is still a special thing for her.

Each time it’s a new adventure, Lee said. It’s a glorious feeling that I’ve been this blessed. God has given me this job to do, and it’s something I really love.

Lee said she tries to accommodate fans by putting her all into every show.

I try to bring honesty, energy, love and fun to the show, Lee said. And hopefully, music that people want to hear. We want everyone to get into the groove and have a good time.

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Lee’s insatiable appetite for performing keeps her hungry for the next show. She said being out on the road is a place she feels comfortable.

I love traveling and meeting people because I’m a people person, Lee said. When I go away, I get antsy to get back to work.

As a group, The Shirelles were unaware of the ground-breaking moves they made when they were young.

We were troopers, adventurous at a young age, Lee said. Being adventurous leads to success. We didn’t know exactly what we were doing.

The group was among the first to write its own songs. Lee said this was a rarity in the male-dominated music business.

Everything was male controlled at that time, she said. We had a publishing company, which was unheard of at the time.

Being a first in numerous things seems to be Lee’s forte. The Shirelles were the first pop act chosen to record a radio commercial for Coca-Cola, inaugurating a series of ads that lasted over 10 years.

The Shirelles did not realize the path they were paving for females in the music world’s future. Groups like L7, Salt-n-Pepa and TLC have all benefited from the The Shirelles innovative nature.

We’ve opened the door for many groups, she said. The Supremes ran right through it, and I’m glad they did. Women like Janet Jackson you go girl’, you can’t keep a good woman like her down.

The Shirelles got started on the road to success by harmonizing to radio hits they requested as they baby-sat for neighborhood children back in Passaic, N.J.

An impromptu performance of their at-home act during gym class caught the attention of teacher Katherine Nolan.

She told us if we performed, it would fill the whole gymnasium, Lee said.

They did fill the gymnasium at the Passaic High school talent show in 1957.

Our friend Mary Jane Greenberg’s mother, Florence, had a recording company, she said. After hearing us perform, I Met Him On a Sunday,’ at that high school function, she said she might record us. We were signed to a contract with Tiara Records shortly afterward.

The high school gave The Shirelles freedom to perform its newly found gig.

We’d get special permission to go out on the road, Lee said. Certain privileges were granted to work around the high school things.

The city of Passaic and Passaic High named Jan. 17 as the official Shirelles Day. Lee said the memory will stand with her for a long time, especially since she still lives in Passaic.

I break out into a smile whenever I pass it by, she said. It is nice to be honored by your own. It was really special after being honored when the kids sang along with us just like when we started.

Special privileges at an early age didn’t corrupt the group as it has so many young people who take on adult-like responsibility. Lee said she has not changed much as far as her roots go.

I never changed, she said. We always put God first to take care of us and he always did. We do the same things we have always done same friends, same church, and everybody still knows me.

Lee said she hopes the community will come share the evening with them.

Come out and enjoy the show whether it’s cold or raining, she said. If you want to come out and dance, dance. If you want to come out and sing, sing.