By Libra Boyd
GMF joins the gospel community in mourning the passing of Bernard Sterling, longtime vocalist of more than 50 years with Pastor Shirley Caesar. Sterling, 74, passed February 25, 2022.
Sterling’s tenor soared across multiple decades of releases with Shirley Caesar as a member of the Caesar Singers. He aptly handled the lead chores on a number of tunes including “Captain of My Soul,” “Come and Go with Me,” and “Give Me A Clean Heart.” In addition to this tenure, he released projects on his own, Lord Remember Me and Lifted, in the 1980s and 90s, respectively. Despite health challenges in recent years, he continued to travel with Pastor Caesar and the Shirley Caesar Group whenever his health permitted.
A Celebration of Life service has been announced for Saturday, March 5, at 2 PM, at Victory at Calvary Church in Durham, NC. Visitation begins at 1 PM.
Bernard Sterling was a class act and he will be deeply missed. We extend condolences and prayers for his wife Dottie, his children, the entire Sterling family, and the Shirley Caesar Group.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.