Shirley Caesar (born October 13, 1938 in Durham, North Carolina) is an American gospel singer, known for her energetic performances and powerhose vocals. She is often referred to as the "First Lady of Gospel Music." Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Durham is a city located in Durham County, North Carolina. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Gospel, from the Old English good tidings is a calque of Greek () used in the New Testament (see Etymology below). ... Rhythm and blues (or R & B) is a musical marketing term introduced in the United States in the late 1940s by Billboard magazine. ... A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified with the purpose of making music. ... In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. ... Albertina Walker (b. ... James Cleveland (December 5, 1932 - February 9, 1991) was a gospel singer, arranger, composer and, most significantly, the driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound, bringing the stylistic daring of hard gospel and jazz and pop music influences to arrangements for mass choirs. ... The Caravans was a female gospel group popular during the 1950s and 1960s that launched the careers of a number of artists, including: Queen of Gospel Albertina Walker, Bessie Griffin, Cassietta George, The Great Narrator Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews and First Lady of Gospel Shirley Caesar. ... is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Nickname: Location in North Carolina Coordinates: , Country State Counties Durham, Orange, Wake Government  - Mayor Bill Bell Area  - City  94. ... Gospel, from the Old English good tidings is a calque of Greek () used in the New Testament (see Etymology below). ...

History

At the age of 10, Caesar began singing and performing for family and friends. Her professional career began when she approached Albertina Walker (known as the "Queen of Gospel Music") about joining The Caravans. She performed with The Caravans from 1958 until she pursued a solo career in 1966 and making a name for herself in the gospel music circuit. Albertina Walker (b. ... The Caravans was a female gospel group popular during the 1950s and 1960s that launched the careers of a number of artists, including: Queen of Gospel Albertina Walker, Bessie Griffin, Cassietta George, The Great Narrator Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews and First Lady of Gospel Shirley Caesar. ...

Performance

Caesar performs with an energetic, boisterous style. She often shouts her music in order for her messages to be received. 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," Caesar sings a message of hope that although society is getting worse, the Lord will come to save humanity. Other gospel hits with inspiring messages include "God Is Good," "Revive Us Again" and "Time to Be Blessed." Caesar hopes that as people listen to the messages of her songs, they 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.

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 Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton at a campaign function. Cinderella Castle, at the center of the Magic Kingdom, is Walt Disney World Resorts most recognizable icon Introduction Owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company, the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, USA is home to four theme parks, two water parks, several resort hotels and golf courses... Peabo Bryson (born Robert Peabo Bryson on April 13, 1951) is an American R&B and soul singer, born in Greenville, South Carolina. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Regis Francis Xavier Philbin (born August 25, 1931) is an Emmy Award-winning American television personality best known for his roles as a talk show host, game show host, and presenter at various events. ... VHS box cover of Kathie Lees Rock n Tots Cafe: A Christmas Giff starring Kathie Lee Gifford, copyright 1995 Rock n Tots Joint Venture. ... William Jefferson Bill Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III[1] on August 19, 1946) was the 42nd President of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001. ... Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton (born October 26, 1947) is the junior United States Senator from New York, and is a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2008 presidential election. ...

Awards

Caesar has received numerous awards for her gospel albums. She has received a phenominal eleven Grammy Awards, for recordings including Stand Still, Shirley Caesar Live..., He Will Come, Sailin, Rejoice, Celebration and He's Working It Out For You. Between 1981 and 1995 she 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. She has also received two Black Gospel Song of the Year Awards for "He's Working It Out for You" and "Hold My Mule." This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Dove Awards, created in 1969 by the Gospel Music Association to honor the outstanding achievements in contemporary Christian and gospel music, are held annually in Nashville, Tennessee. ...

Education

Caesar 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. Shaw University is a historically black college located in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. It offers several undergraduate degrees in the fine and liberal arts as well as natural science, and also degrees in allied health, business, public administration, education and computer science. ... This article is about the year. ... Southeastern University is a private, non-profit undergraduate and graduate institution of higher education. ...

Personal life

Caesar is a minister of her church in North Carolina.

Selected discography

• Live...He Will Come
• He's Working it Out For You
• I Remember Mama
• Greatest Gospel Hits
• I Know The Truth
• Miracle In Harlem

References

• Shirley Caesar's entry from Encyclopedia of World Biography