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 sends chills through my body everytime I hear her sing. She is one of the best gospel singers I've ever heard. I love you Shirley. God is really working in Shirley.
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When I listen to Shirley all my troubles seem to melt away now I don't go a day with listening shirley's songs of praise and glory.
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when i listen to shirley, a calmness comes over me and eases all my worries. jesus has given her the voice to transend to all. god bless her.
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The Lord has been with Shirely and the music she shares is a tool of inspiration to the soul; to continue to move forward in our times of tribulation. Thank the Lord, Jesus Christ, for the Spirit which teaches God's people to give thanks in all things.
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I have been listening to Pastor Ceaser since I was a little girl. I am now 34yrs. I love to praise God and when I am down, I listen to Pastor Ceaser to give me that extra. She is truly a legend.
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this a joyful song. see not one i been to the grave yard. god gave me all my children. i love to shout.and iam a half 100. from margaret pratt .from wagram n.c.28396
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I AM A NEW LISTENER TO REV CAESAR I UNSERSTAND SHE HAS BEEN ON THE BANDWAGGON FOR CHIRST A LONG TIME, HOWEVER I CAME TO KNOW HER MUSIC AND THE LORD FOUR YEARS AGO AND HAVE BEEN TRULY BLESSED BY HER INCOURAGING WORDS OF PRAISES. I FIRST SAW HER ON CARLTON PEARSTON LIVE AT AZUZA AND ENJOY HER PRAISE AND WORSHIP. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORKS OF THE LORD REV CAESAR.
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I greew up listening to Shirley Caesar and she is still one of my favorite Gospel singer. Thank goodness for a Gospel singer like Mrs. Caesar
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Truly i prefer the music of the great saints that my mom use to listen to it was something about that moan that seem to have Jesus right in the mist of the song and soul. Keep on sining for the Lord
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shirley ceasar in my all time favorite gospel singer. i grew up listening to her music and there is just something about this anoitned woman of god that just gives you hope, strength and joy in a time when it seems that all hope is gone. i thank god for this christian woman. nelle
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Sister your albums have been my comfort through trying times. Praise the Lord and may you live long in His Grace!
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I remember on Sunday mornings in L.A. listening to Shirley Ceasar and the Caravans when the team included Rev. Cleveland. Then when she went solo still singing to the glory of God. Thank God she and others are still holding on and giving God the praise in song and word.
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i grew up listening to sister caeser so i love her music. see i love her song drive your mother away.and she is from north carolina from the state i live in. be bless. margaret pratt from wagram. nc.28369
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I grew up listening To Sister Caesar and I'm still listening to this Great Woman of God, who has bless my soul.
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I thank the lord for shirely she is a mighty woman of god who has encouraged me in so many ways. her songs always seem to lift up my spirits. thank god for shirley caesar who has been a vessel and being used by our all mighty God.
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I enjoy this lady of God.She speak with encourage,lo v e and blessing from God
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Shirley Caesar: Is a mighty woman of God/The Daughter Of Thunder
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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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