Shirley Caesar
Biography
A popular gospel singer who often shouts her music in order for her messages to be received, Shirley Caesar performed with the Caravans in the '60s before pursuing a professional solo career in 1966. Born in North Carolina, Caesar is known as the First Lady of Gospel. At the age of 10 she began singing and performing for family and friends. She graduated from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1984. She also received honorary doctorates from Shaw University and Southeastern University. Her professional career began in the 60s when she was with the Caravans. In 1966 she began making a name for herself on the gospel music circuit.
Shirley Caesar performs with an energetic and boisterous style. She believes that with all the suffering and hardships in the world people will listen to her recordings and be encouraged. Her live album, He Will Come, is a testimony to her philosophy of life. The album was recorded with the choir, band and congregation of her church. In the title song "He Will Come," Shirley Caesar transcends the message of hope, that although society is getting worse, the Lord will save us and is coming. Among her other gospel hits with inspiring messages include "God Is Good," "Revive Us Again" and "Time to Be Blessed. " Shirley Caesar's hope is that her messages will be listened to and people will be encouraged to lead good lives. Her 1987 hit, "Hold My Mule," was written to encourage people to "fight the good fight." All her songs combine music with ministry to convey her messages.
Shirley Caesar has received numerous awards for her gospel albums. She has received Grammy Awards for Stand Still, Shirley Caesar Live...He Will Come, Sailin', Rejoice, Celebration and He's Working It Out For You. Between 1981 and 1995 she has received seven Dove Awards for Black Gospel Album of the Year for Live at the G.M.W.A., Live...In Chicago, Celebration, Christmasing, Sailin', Go and Rejoice. Two Black Gospel Song of the Year Awards for "He's Working It Out for You" and "Hold My Mule."
Besides being the minister of her church in North Carolina and performing concerts nationwide, Shirley Caesar has performed on Broadway. Her Broadway performances include roles in Born to Sing: Mama 3, Mama I Want to Sing and Sing: Mama 2. She made a guest appearance at the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World with fellow artists Peabo Bryson, CeCe Winans, Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford. Her activities include performing for President Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton at a campaign function. Despite her busy schedule, Shirley Caesar constantly finds time to get her messages of encouragement and peace to people. ~ Kim Summers, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
SHIRLEY CAESAR IS A WOMAN WITH SPIRIT AN SOUL, SHE IS THE FIRST LADY OF GOSPEL AN SHE SPEAK THE TRUE AN PREACH TO TEACH THE YOUNG AN EVERYBODY TO BE ENCOURAGE.
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She lived down the street from me when I was a kid in Durham. I have always been so proud to have been from the same place. I love to hear her sing.
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Shirley Caesar is a powerful woman of God blessed with a beautiful voice and i just enjoy everything she puts out and she can preach too.
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will make you give your soul to god and live right when you listen to her
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I Love Shirley Caesar & I remember my mother playing, No Charge, for her 6 blessed children, by her...
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This wonderful lady has so much to share with the world,I believe her message to this generation about The Word Of God can only touch a persons heart and give them hope and strength to face everyday life I thank GOD for this oppurtunity to have been born in a generation when a person like her shares messages of hope and caring.Ilove her and GOD BLESS her Robert B. Bryant of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . June 18, 2008
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She is Qween of gospel. She is such a anointed singer, I don't care what I'm going through in life she always have a song that can relate to it. Another thing that makes her so special is her life speaks for her, she's always the same, nothing fake about her.I wish I lived closer to her church, I'd be able to stop looking for a church home then I know she is led by God.
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Shirley Caesar with her anointed voice and singing always inspires me.
I think of her as a mentor of mine. |
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pastor caesar, i am a 48yr old black woman from philly i have been listening 2 your songs 4 over 30 something years when i first hear 1 of your songs i knew i wanted 2 b nearer 2 god your songs have helped me thought so many trials in my life when i heard strong man it bought me 2 tears we have had so many tradities in our family it seem like the devil was trying 2 beat us down but i stand here today to say that the devil is a liar i just thank u 4 your music and thank GOD for 4 love myra
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Womam of God keep on singing God praises. I enjoy listening to all of your style of music.
judy davis |
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YOU ARE TRULY TRULY ENCOURAGING, WHEN I FEEL SOMETIMES I CAN'T GO ON YOU HAVE A SONG TO LET ME KNOW JUST HILD ON!!! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU, FOR YOU ARE A BLESSING!!!! ! !
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your songs remind me of the happy time I had growing up inthe country with my ma, grandma, dad ect. Ther are gorn to be with the Lord now, but the memories of that time lives with me. I just love the Lord more after listening to your songs. God bless you.
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cemrs. ceasar i love your music it helps meto know that i can go on with my as my nother would want me to i use to sing walk around heaven to her.but she is gone but never forgotten your music touches my heart toespecailly the one that you song on kirk franklin.i cry when i hear you sing that song thank you so muchso i write poemtrymy name is janice moore.
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OMG!!!! It is a Blessing to be able to hear such a wonderful artist every day..when I have bad days all I have to do is click on here and listen to the greatest woman of gospel>>>Hav e Mercy On You~~
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i really enjoy your music and in is a blessing,but dont let money ruin gods gift
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U have all mine blessing and i pray god will let me hear u preach one day
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i love shirley very much she is truly a woman of God, the song that iam really
looking for is peace in the midst of the storm thankyou may God truly bless you in all your endevours Min Veronica Enabosi Mcgregor. |
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One of the Great Women of Gospel, thank you for standing your ground, I love you Sister Shirley
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Hello I grow up listening to all of her music that I find myself leading some of them, my son also love your music, while driving in the car he started to sing your songs, which he surprise me, that he's not in the church right now but he love your style of music and real words that tough the soul of so many peoples. At the age of 18, and now 62 I enjoyed all your songs. God Blessed
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Lord I thank yOu Lord I thank you i just say it enough LORD i thank you for shning light in my life every ingle day lord please HELP ME LORD JESUS. NOW BACK TO REV. SHIRLY CAESAR LRD IF IT WASNT FOR HER BEAUTIFUL MUSIC THAT LIFTED ME A MANY OF DAYS JUST KEEP DOIN WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND COSTANTLY BE BLESSED
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I can truly say that shirley has touched my life in so many different ways with the true spirit of God in her song celections. I have never doubted her
calling, or have never missed the annointing on every song celection that I have chosen to here. The annointing has broken every stronghold that had me bound when I listened to her singing. God bless you over and over again. You are that tree planted by living waters. Praise God For Shirley Ceasar! |
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She really is the Queen of Gospel Music. She is the very best. When she sings you really can feel the Holy Spirit coming through her to you. I like her new works, but fell in love with her along time ago with Hold my Mule, Don't Through your Mama away, I Remember Mama, etc. I really hope to see her in person one day
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It would be an honored to be able to meet and talk to this remarkable woman of God in person. I have been in attendance at some of your performances here in Houston Texas. One wish that I have is to actually meet you face to face.
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I thank God for Pastor Caesar, I got to meet her in person while performing in VA. She and I are from the same home state, NC.
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I thank god for a ("Mother in Christ") like the Rev.Shirley Ceaser. This goes to show you that "God" does work miracles.
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I thank God for this wonderful woman of Christ. Being a former student of Shaw University myself,I had the great opportunity of attending (Mt. Calvary) her church. She is truly inspired in the gift of the Holy Spirit! She has been a great inspiration in many aspects of my life. I give God the glory for giving those who serve him the gift of Shirley Caeser...A Real Woman of God!!!
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The most powerful gospel singer in the world. She has touched me so dearly.
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