has been singing her entire life. Her formal training began with renowned soprano and classical vocal coach Eileen Deneen and continued for many years before coming to the attention of Chicago's Gold Star Impresario Bill Allen, where she quickly became a regular fixture. Her alluring combination of glamour, sophistication and charm epitomized the style of the café society chanteuse of an earlier era. .

The Chicago media referred to her as: “… a contemporary singer who has learned the lessons of the great singers of the past.” From the stage of The Gold Star, MacArthur went on to captivate audiences at special events, including serenading President Bill Clinton and President George H.W. Bush as well as Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. She has shared the stage with such diverse celebrities as David Foster, Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke, legendary Bobby Short, Broadway/film star Mandy Patinkin, as well as opening for George Burns and Michael Feinstein on the Ravinia stage.

Shelley has performed at New York City’s Town Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Hampton’s Guild Hall, Chicago's Harris Theatre, Orchestra Hall and The Empire Room at the Palmer House Hilton. In 2006, Shelley inaugurated the historic Auditorium Theatre’s first Cabaret series with “On Stage with Shelley MacArthur” and, in 2011, the “Cabaret With a View” series with “With Love, Shelley” in a sold out performance at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

In 2010, Shelley released two international CD’s; “With Love, Shelley” and “All Jazzed Up!” She recorded again in 2014 with music composer and producer Linda Perry in Los Angeles. In November 2015, she performed in “Tribute To Frank”, a 100th birthday celebration of Frank Sinatra at Chicago's historic Empire Room. Today she is back in the studio recording songs for her new CD, “Shelley Live in Concert” releasing in 2019.

Through her generous gift of song she is proud to have raised millions of dollars for The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and numerous charities. Shelley recently performed with renowned tenor George Perris for the Horatio Alger Association of Washington D.C. The program has been broadcast as a PBS special. Shelley was also talk show co-host for “The Girlfriends” international podcast on webtalkradio.net.

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