Gladys Shelley, born Gladys Shaskan on December 15, 1911, in Lawrence, New York, was an American lyricist and composer renowned for her contributions to the music industry with over 300 songs. Educated at Columbia University, she initially pursued a career in acting and dancing before dedicating herself to songwriting in the late 1930s. Her first major success came in 1940 with the song "How Did He Look?", co-written with Abner Silver, which became a staple in the repertoire of New York cabaret singers and was recorded by numerous artists including Eydie Gorme and Mabel Mercer.

Shelley's collaborations extended to working with notable composers such as Morton Gould, Frank Black, and Fred Astaire. Her partnership with Astaire produced songs like "Just Like Taking Candy From a Baby". Despite her prolific output, her only Broadway venture, The Duchess Misbehaves, closed after just three performances in 1946.

In addition to her songwriting, Shelley contributed to the promotion of Palisades Amusement Park, owned by her husband Irving Rosenthal, by creating the popular jingle "Come on Over" in 1960. This catchy tune was used in radio and television advertisements until the park's closure in 1971.

Shelley passed away on December 9, 2003, in Manhattan, New York City, leaving behind a legacy of enduring music that continues to be celebrated in cabaret and beyond.