Soul Train Awards 2023: 5 Facts About Shirley Caesar
Shirley Caesar is a luminary in gospel music. With a career spanning decades, she is celebrated for her remarkable vocal talents and unwavering dedication to spreading the message of faith and hope. Her contributions to gospel music are legendary, earning her numerous accolades, including 11 Grammy Awards and a revered place in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
As a testament to her enduring impact, Shirley Caesar has received a well-deserved nomination for the “Best Gospel/Inspiration” at the upcoming “Soul Train Awards” 2023, which will air on Sunday, November 26, 2023. Before this year’s ceremony, get familiar with the gospel icon with these five facts.
She has earned several titles
Shirley has earned several monikers throughout her career, including “First Lady of Gospel Music” and “The Queen of Gospel.”
She is also a pastor
Some may recognize her as the Queen of Gospel, while others know her as Pastor Shirley Caesar. She is an acclaimed singer and served as a preacher at Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, until her husband, Bishop Harold I. Williams, died on July 4, 2014.
She signed her first record deal at an early age
Caesar’s musical career began in the early 50s after earning her first record deal at 12. She signed her first deal with Federal Records. The label roster included James Brown with the Famous Flames, Ike Turner and his Orchestra, and blues musician Willie Dixon.
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Her career is marked dozen accolades
In addition to earning eleven Grammy Awards, 14 Stellar Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame throughout her musical career, Caesar was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000, solidifying her status as one of the greatest gospel artists of our time.
She went viral
The #UNameItChallenge is a viral internet trend that originated from a snippet of a sermon from Caesar. In the speech, she tells a humorous story about a Thanksgiving dinner where she prepared various dishes, and someone at the dinner asked her if she had certain items, to which she responded, “You name it!”
