Shirley Caesar
Shirley Ann Caesar-Williams (nee Caesar; born October 13, 1938),[1] known professionally as Shirley Caesar, is an American gospel singer. Her career began in 1951, when she signed to Federal Records at the age of 12.[2] Throughout her seven decade career, Caesar has often been referred to as the "First Lady of Gospel Music",[1] and "The Queen of Gospel Music".[3] Additionally, she has won eleven Grammy Awards, fifteen Dove Awards, and fourteen Stellar Awards.
Shirley Caesar
Shirley Ann Caesar
- Pastor Shirley Caesar
- The Queen of Gospel
- The First Lady of Gospel
October 13, 1938
Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
Singer
1951–present
- Artemis Gospel
- Light Records
Caesar has released over forty albums. She has participated in over 16 compilations and three gospel musicals, Mama I Want to Sing, Sing: Mama 2 and Born to sing: Mama 3.
According to SoundScan, she has sold 2.2 million albums since 1991.[4] She has made several notable appearances including the televised Live from Disney World Night of Joy, the Gospel According to VH1, and a White House performance for President George Bush. She gave a speech on the evolution of gospel music to the US Treasury Department.[5] In 2017, Caesar was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award from The Recording Academy.[6] She has also received SESAC Lifetime Achievement Award, Rhapsody & Rhythm Award from the National Museum of African American Music, as well as induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 2016, Caesar was honored with a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, for her contributions in gospel music.
Early life[edit]
Caesar was born in Durham, North Carolina. She is the tenth of 13 children.[1] All of her siblings are now deceased. Her father Jim Caesar was a well known local gospel singer but he died suddenly when Shirley was seven years old.[1] Her mother Hallie Caesar was partially disabled due to a lame leg. Caesar had a special bond with her mother and took care of her until her death in 1989.
Awards and honors[edit]
Caesar is a recipient of a 1999 National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the United States' highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.[12]
She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.[13]
Caesar was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010.[14] She performed for President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at the White House in 2015, along with Aretha Franklin.
In May 2016, the National Museum of African American Music honored Caesar with the Rhapsody & Rhythm Award in Nashville in advance of the planned 2018 opening of the historic museum.[15]
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proudly honored gospel singer Shirley Caesar with the 2,583rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, June 28, 2016.
Education in later life[edit]
After many years, Caesar finally accomplished her dream of completing her education. She had first enrolled at North Carolina State College in 1956 to study business education, but left two years later to pursue her music career.[1] She returned to school and graduated with honors from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1984. She also spent time studying at the Divinity School of Duke University and has received honorary doctorates from Shaw University and Southeastern University.[16]
Personal life[edit]
Caesar married Bishop Harold I. Williams in June 1983. The couple were co-pastors of the 1,500-member Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina until his death on July 4, 2014. While she does not have children of her own, she has two stepchildren from her husband.
Caesar is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She cites her mother as a strong influence in her decision to give so selflessly of herself. Caesar has committed a sizable portion of all concert sales to her outreach ministries. Recently, she has cut back on preaching and has appointed an executive pastor at her church, and he provides weekly sermons to the congregation while Caesar serves as senior pastor, but Caesar continues to record and perform in concert all over the country. She also continues to hold her annual outreach ministries conference. The outreach ministry provides food, clothing, shelter, toys for children, and financial assistance to those in need. She opened an eponymous store and uses the profits to help others during the holiday season.
When asked what would she still like to accomplish, she says: "I would like to do more acting...."[17]