Alexander Shirley

Alexander (Bammy) S. Shirley was born on March 20, 1964, and entered into eternal rest with Jesus, on January 12, 2025. He brought joy, to so many with his music, positive outlook on life, and friendship.

Alexander was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to Basil and Beverly Shirley, and became a United States Citizen on October 29, 2009.

He played reggae and blues around California's central coast, primarily in Carmel, Monterey, and Santa Cruz, for over 30 years, with different bands, and was the founding member, lead vocalist and bass guitarist for the reggae band, "Jonah and the Whale Watchers."

Alex grew up in a musical family with several siblings, and his mother and father. His father, Basil Shirley, was an accomplished drummer, and had a major influence on Alex's decision to become a musician, and a Rastafarian.

His father welcomed Haile Selassie I, the Emperor of Ethiopia, to Jamaica in 1966, by playing drums in the huge crowd of about 100,000 Rastafarians. Emperor Selassie I, is whom the Rastafarian Religion is based on.

Alex learned to play many instruments including drums, and guitar, with bass guitar being his favorite. He joined his dad's band, along with his brother, Prince Shirley, and played in Kingston, Montego Bay, Ochos Rios, and Negril in Jamaica, before playing for many years on several cruise ships.

Alex will live on in his music. Many videos of his performances can be found on, "Youtube." "Turn It Up," is Alex's solo reggae album that came out in 2016, with a touch of blues. It includes fifteen original songs which he wrote, sang, and played all the instruments for, except keyboards, and keyboard effects. His album includes songs with social relevance messages, as well as dance and love songs. His cd, "Turn It Up," is available at Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes, Spotify, and several other internet music sites, and streaming services.

Alex is survived by his two daughters, Alicia Stephenson, and Lisa Shirley, and his grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers; Neville, Winston, and Kieno, and his sisters; Jackie, Charm, and Beauty. His son Alexander Shirley, Jr., and two of his brothers, David and Prince predeceased Alex.

He had a large devoted fan base, and will be missed by all who knew him. He was so full of life, that it is hard to believe he has passed.



Alexander's graveside service, and interrnment was held at San Carlos Cemetery, 792 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 2:00 pm.