Shirley Ann Caesar-Williams, known professionally as Shirley Caesar, is an American gospel singer.
32 Facts About Shirley Caesar
2.
Shirley Caesar's career began in 1951, when she signed to Federal Records at the age of 12.
3.
Shirley Caesar has participated in over 16 compilations and three gospel musicals, Mama I Want to Sing, Sing: Mama 2 and Born to sing: Mama 3.
4.
Shirley Caesar 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.
5.
Shirley Caesar gave a speech on the evolution of gospel music to the US Treasury Department.
6.
In 2017, Shirley Caesar was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award from The Recording Academy.
7.
In 2016, Shirley Caesar was honored with a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, for her contributions in gospel music.
8.
Shirley Caesar's father Jim Caesar was a well known local gospel singer but he died suddenly when Shirley was seven years old.
9.
Shirley Caesar had a special bond with her mother and took care of her until her death in 1986.
10.
Shirley Caesar first began singing and performing for family and friends.
11.
Shirley Caesar began singing as Baby Shirley Caesar all over the Carolinas as invitations poured in.
12.
Shirley Caesar decided to halt her education to join the group.
13.
Shirley Caesar recorded and performed with Albertina Walker, Cassietta George, Inez Andrews, Delores Washington, Josephine Howard, Eddie Williams, and James Herndon while in the Caravans.
14.
Shirley Caesar's biggest hit with the Caravans was the song "Sweeping Through the City" followed by "No Coward Soldier".
15.
The producer of the album titled the album First Lady because Shirley Caesar was the first female to ever record on the label.
16.
Shirley Caesar searched for a gospel label and finally decided to sign with Word Records in 1980 and went on to win several more Grammy Awards during the next several years and beyond.
17.
Shirley Caesar has made a name for herself on the gospel music circuit, making guest appearances on the Bobby Jones gospel show and other popular television shows.
18.
Shirley Caesar received two Black Gospel Song of the Year Awards for "He's Working It Out for You" and "Hold My Mule".
19.
Shirley Caesar has performed with such performers as Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Dorothy Norwood, Faith Evans, Dottie Peoples, Arnold Houston, Kim Burrell, John P Kee, Kirk Franklin, Tonex, and Tye Tribbett among others.
20.
Shirley Caesar acted in movies, such as Why Do Fools Fall in Love with Larenz Tate and Little Richard, Fighting Temptations with Beyonce and Cuba Gooding Jr.
21.
Shirley Caesar acted in an episode of The Good News in 1998 as Aunt Shirley.
22.
Shirley 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.
23.
Shirley Caesar was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
24.
Shirley Caesar was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
25.
Shirley Caesar performed for President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at the White House in 2015, along with Aretha Franklin.
26.
Shirley Caesar returned to school and graduated with honors from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1984.
27.
Shirley Caesar spent time studying at the Divinity School of Duke University and has received honorary doctorates from Shaw University and Southeastern University.
28.
Shirley Caesar cites her mother as a strong influence in her decision to give so selflessly of herself.
29.
Shirley Caesar has committed a sizable portion of all concert sales to her outreach ministries.
30.
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 Shirley Caesar serves as senior pastor but Shirley Caesar continues to record and perform in concert all over the country.
31.
Shirley Caesar continues to hold her annual outreach ministries conference.
32.
Shirley Caesar opened an eponymous store and uses the profits to help others during the holiday season.