Shirley Caesar

Gospel singer Shirley Ann Caesar-Williams was born in Durham, North Carolina, to Hallie Martin Caesar and James “Big Jim” Caesar. After graduating from Hillside High School in 1956, Caesar attended North Carolina College in Durham where she studied business education. Caesar received her B.S. degree in business administration from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1984 and then attended the Duke University Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina.

Caesar began singing at ten years old, performing as “Baby Shirley” throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. She recorded her first song, “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” in 1951. In 1958, Caesar left North Carolina College and joined Albertina Walker’s gospel group, The Caravans. Caeser then formed her own group, the Caesar Singers, in 1966. Throughout her career, Caesar released over forty albums including Rejoice in 1980, Go in 1981, Sailin’ in 1984, Christmasing in 1986, I Remember Mama in 1989, He’s Working It Out For You in 1991, Stand Still in 1993, Shirley Caesar Live… He Will Come in 1995, Just A Word in 1996, A Miracle In Harlem in 1997, Christmas With Shirley Caesar in 1998, and You Can Make It in 2002. Caesar became the first female gospel singer to perform at the Harvard University Memorial Church in 1989. In 2015, Caesar performed alongside Aretha Franklin at the White House for U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Caesar served as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and as a pastor for Mt. Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she runs an outreach ministry.

During her long career, Caesar has received numerous awards and honors including a RIAA Gold Certification, a SESAC Lifetime Achievement Award, eighteen Dove Awards, fourteen Stellar Awards, two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Gospel Artist in 1987 and 2002, an Essence Award, the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1999, inductions into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010, and the Rhapsody & Rhythm Award from the National Museum of African American Music in 2016. She was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in 2016, and twelve Grammy Awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2017. Caesar also received an honorary degree from Shaw University and an honorary degree from Southeastern University.

Shirley Ann-Caesar-Williams was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on April 22, 2023.