Shirley Ann Caesar-Williams (née Caesar), better known as Shirley Caesar, was a famous American gospel singer.
She began her music career in 1951 when she signed with Federal Records at the age of 12. Since then, she has been a respected and influential figure in the gospel music community, winning numerous accolades and awards for her powerful voice and inspiring music.
contour
- Full name: Shirley Ann Caesar-Williams
- Stage name: Shirley Caesar
- Date of birth: October 13, 1938
- Age: 85
- Birthplace: Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Singer
- Height: 6’4
- Parents: Hannah Kaiser, James Kaiser
- Siblings: Anne Caesar Price, Leroy Caesar, Virginia Caesar Reed, Cleo Caesar, Joyce Caesar, Lena Caesar Brown, Julius Caesar, Solomon Caesar
- Spouse: Bishop Harold Williams
- Children: None
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $6 million
Early life and education
Shirley Caesar is a famous gospel singer and preacher who was born on October 13, 1938 in Durham, North Carolina, USA to Hannah and James Caesar.
She grew up in a large family with eight siblings, including Anne Caesar Price, Leroy Caesar, Virginia Caesar Reed, Cleo Caesar, Joyce Caesar, Lena Caesar Brown, Julius Caesar, and Solomon Caesar.
After graduating from high school, Shirley Kaiser attended North Carolina Central College to study business education.
Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades and awards for her powerful and soulful gospel music.
Profession
Shirley Caesar’s music career began in 1958 when she joined Albertina Walker’s famous gospel band “The Caravans”.
The experience honed her skills and earned her national recognition. However, in 1966, Kaiser left the group to pursue a successful solo career.
In addition to singing, she became a renowned preacher and evangelist and founded her own church, Word of Faith Church on Mount Calvary.
This pivotal career has enabled her to spread her message of faith and inspire countless people through music and ministry.
She released several gospel albums in the 1960s and 1970s that were popular with African-American audiences.
In the 1980s, Caesar’s career took off with her album “Celine‘”. She continued to produce hit gospel songs and albums, earning her “The First Lady of Gospel Music“. Today, she is considered one of the most influential gospel singers of all time.
Shirley Caesar is a critically acclaimed gospel music artist known by many as “The First Lady of Gospel Music” and “The Queen of Gospel Music.”
She has received many honors, including 11 Grammy Awards, 15 Dove Awards, and 14 Stellar Awards. However, her influence is not limited to the music world.
Kaiser has also been involved in the production of gospel musicals and films and is committed to serving the community through outreach ministry.
Awards and nominations
- Grammy Awards: Caesar has won 11 Grammy Awards
- Dove Awards: She has won fifteen Dove Awards.
- Stellar Awards: Caesar has won fourteen Stellar Awards
social media
- Instagram account: @pastorscaesar
- Facebook account: Pastor Shirley Caesar
personal life
Gospel singer and pastor Shirley Caesar married Bishop Harold Williams in 1983. Although they were still in love, tragedy struck in 2014 when Williams passed away.
The couple shared a passion for the ministry and served together as pastors of a church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Although Caesar had no biological children, she had two stepchildren, whom she loved and cared for as if they were her own.
net worth
Shirley Caesar has also received numerous accolades and honors for her contributions to the cause of gospel music.
In addition to her successful music career, she has written several books and starred in films and television shows.
Her whopping net worth of $6 million is a testament to her hard work, talent, and dedication to her profession.