Tag: Shirley Caesar

Good Day LA interviews Pastor Shirley Caesar

Photo credit: myFOXla.com
There are two video interviews with gospel’s (relatively new) queen, Pastor Shirley Caesar, on her forthcoming CD Good God (in stores on March 26) and her accomplished career in gospel music. Check them both out here: http://www.myfoxla.com/story/21652483/gospel-singer-shirley-caesar-committed-my-life-to-the-lord-at-12.

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“God Will Make A Way” – Shirley Caesar

Shirley Caesar mourns passing of brother LeRoy Caesar

GMF extends its condolences to Pastor Shirley Caesar and family in the passing of her brother, LeRoy Caesar, who died January 24.  The homegoing service is being held today, January 30, at noon at Durham’s Mt. Calvary Lighthouse Church.

In addition to Pastor Caesar, he is survived by his wife Flora, ten daughters, three sons, one sister, two brothers, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Offstage: GMF Insider with Shirley Caesar

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Shirley Caesar

Pastor Shirley Caesar is multidimensional.  She is a singer and songwriter, a preacher and pastor, a former politician and forever a comedian.

A comedian?

“There’s a side of you that many people don’t see,” I mentioned to Pastor Caesar several weeks ago inside her sprawling office at Raleigh’s Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church. “A lot of people don’t know that you have a sense of humor.”  She bursts into laughter.

Since I opened the door, I figured she may as well take us on a tour of what it’s like to be Shirley Caesar offstage.

Libra:  If you were not a singer, preacher, or pastor, what would you be doing?

Pastor Caesar: Um…(long pause)…raising children.

Libra:  How many?

Pastor Caesar: Two.

Libra:  A boy and a girl?

Pastor Caesar: A boy and a girl.

Libra:  Do you have names for them?

Pastor Caesar: I like “Desiree,” and I like “Hope.”

Libra:  What’s the best dish you can prepare?

Pastor Caesar: (Laughs heartily)  I think my best dish would be spaghetti and meat sauce with all of the — I mean I fix all of that from scratch.  I bake it, I fix it any kind of way.  And my rice.  I can cook rice and the grains are not gummy…yeah…and I can cook other stuff — I just don’t.  I go out and eat everyday.

Libra:  Me too.  I don’t really cook, but I can make a really good peach cobbler.

Pastor Caesar: Really?  I cannot cook a lot of sweets; I can’t do that, but you know, some things I watched my Mom do.  My sister Anne, Anne was a cook, because Mama taught her!  She learned by observation.  Not me.  I was always running and breaking streetlights and doing something crazy when I was a little girl! 

Libra:  What’s your favorite thing to do in your leisure time?

Pastor Caesar: I have a Galaxy [tablet], and I have a lot of games on there.  There’s one game on there that’s called Tile Takedown.  It’s a word game, and I love words.  In fact, I saw it on the bed on the way to church, and I started to grab it!

Libra:  Do you have a favorite cartoon or fictional character?

Pastor Caesar: Favorite cartoon is Tom & Jerry, but I also like uh— what’s that “beep beep”?

Libra:  Road Runner.

Pastor Caesar: Road Runner!  I love Road Runner, because he’s always trying to figure out a way to catch the chicken. (chuckles)

Libra:  Is there another product or service that you would endorse if given the opportunity?  (Pastor Caesar currently has endorsements with AARP and Medicare.)

Pastor Caesar: When I was growing up, we did not have a McDonald’s or a Burger King — but I don’t eat red meat, and I’ve also become something of a health nut.  I could [endorse] the salads though.  I’d also maybe like to talk about cancer or some other cause like that.

Libra:  What’s the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Pastor Caesar: That because I’ve come from a family that wasn’t well-to-do— I didn’t even have, uh, hardly a spoon, much less a silver or a gold spoon in my mouth—that today, I give 50% of my earnings to the Lord, monies realized.  I try to help needy families.  I buy them fans in the summer and try to help them with heat in the winter; not because I’m trying to be different from anybody else, but I know where I’ve come from.

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“God Will Make A Way” – Shirley Caesar

“God Will Make A Way”
Shirley Caesar
From the upcoming CD, Good God (Available March 26, 2013)
Light Records (2012)
Available on iTunes

Written and produced by James Fortune, the Queen of Gospel knows how to solicit the talents of current cutting edge artists to keep her at the forefront of gospel music.

Pastor Shirley Caesar’s single “God Will Make A Way” encourages that through friendlessness, bad reports from doctors and the like, “the God I serve, He’ll be right there–I know He will!”

The James Fortune imprint is all over this slow and soulful single that gradually builds into a robust declaration that “God will make a way / I know that He will / I’ve seen it and He will!”

Shirley Caesar: Queen of Gospel talks new title, new music

Shirley CaesarBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

It was 1977, just months after Shirley Caesar signed a reportedly lucrative contract with Roadshow Records, that Ebony magazine called her “the queen of gospel music.”  By then she had been in the business more than two and a half decades–sweeping cities like a whirlwind with the famous Caravans, preaching to and praying with saints and sinners as a fiery evangelist, and earning RIAA certified gold records and the coveted Grammy Award as a cutting-edge solo artist.

Thirty-five years and ten more Grammys later, it became official in April:  Pastor Shirley Caesar was crowned Queen of Gospel Music (see related feature), and her accomplishments continue to surpass those of her female contemporaries.  Given her consistent presentation of the gospel and her onstage and offstage persona, one may correctly assume that Pastor Caesar considers the distinction to be a vehicle for even broader ministry.

Sitting in her spacious office at Raleigh’s Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church where she pastors, the lovely living legend, decked in denim, explained what the symbolic title means to her.

Bishop Harold Williams and Pastor Shirley Caesar“Mahalia Jackson was our first queen of gospel, and then it moved from there to Albertina Walker,” points out Pastor Caesar. “Of course, two years ago, Albertina Walker passed away, and the mantle has been handed down to me; however, I don’t want to be a queen in mere words. I want my life, my knowledge of where I’ve been in gospel music, to be able to show other young singers the way into it.”

“They’re out here on the outskirts, and it looks real green over there [in the industry],” she reasons.  “And so they don’t know they’re gonna really have to go through something.  I want to share with them some principles–some things that will keep them from making the same mistakes that I made.”

With amalgam of experience, talent, accolades that are far too numerous to name, a business degree, and the Holy Spirit’s anointing, if there’s anyone who’s capable of such an undertaking, it’s Pastor Caesar.  And one way that she is continuing to point the way is through her music.  The veteran gospel singer has more than a score and a half of recordings in her catalog, and she is about to add yet another to be released in August, tentatively.  One tune she cannot resist recording again is the perennial favorite “No Charge.”  (“After hearing about Dr. Creflo Dollar’s daughter, I think she needs to hear this song again,” says Pastor Caesar.)  She is also including a remake of her self-penned “Holy Boldness,” which was a smoker with the Caravans 47 years ago, and a new track she wrote that she’s especially excited about, “It’s Nice to Be Nice.”  The multi-talented Kurt Carr has also written several tracks and serves as the project’s producer.

The petite powerhouse knows her audience extremely well and says they can expect songs in the traditional vein “with a contemporary flavor.” She is more specific in the video on her Facebook page however, revealing that the album will have “country gospel, traditional gospel, as well as contemporary gospel, [and] praise and worship songs.” And while there may be a surprise or two, what listeners will not hear is anything that compromises her integrity as a representative of Christ.

“I’ve been pitched a song…it’s called ‘Hey Mr. Lover.’  It’s about a couple who has seemingly fallen out of love, and the wife is saying, ‘Hey Mr. Lover, will you love me again?  Will you be my best friend?’  But I’m not gonna record it [for this album] because I know many times, those that you think would be amenable and friendly toward you in doing that–” Pastor Caesar stops just short of completing her thought before adding, “I pray that I’m still a representative of Pentecostal persuasion, and I’m just afraid to take that chance, so I will not have songs like that on there.”

Gospel’s queen acknowledges that she was even initially hesitant about her hip-hop collaboration with then-Tonéx on the radio hit “I Know the Truth.”

“I was leery about rapping,” she admits, “but because [the song] had nothing negative in it, I tried it.”

“I’m hoping and praying that the Lord will give me a million seller or a 500,000 seller,” appends Pastor Caesar.  “I’d like to have all of that, but not at the expense of losing my following.”

Without a doubt, if there’s a formula to Pastor Caesar’s longevity, it is her commitment to ministry and consistency that her fans can count on–both of which are admirable attributes of a royal lady.

Nonetheless, she earnestly maintains, “‘Queen’ is nothing but a title.  I want to be a blessing.”


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If you’re in the Raleigh area, Pastor Caesar invites you to worship services at Mt. Calvary Word of Faith Church, located at 3100 Sanderford Road.  The church website is mtcalvarywordoffaith.org.  Her preaching ministry is also televised on Raleigh’s CW22 affiliate WLFL every Thursday morning at 5 AM EST.

Additionally, you are invited to the 40th Annual Conference of Shirley Caesar Outreach Ministries to be held August 6-10, 2012, at the church.  All seats are free; more information is posted on the church site.
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A Celebration Fit for a Queen!

Bishop Harold I. Williams presents his wife, Pastor Shirley Caesar, 
as the newly crowned “Queen of Gospel.”
 

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

“Mahalia Jackson is gone, but we have Shirley Caesar!” shouted longtime Caesar Singer, Bernard Sterling to a capacity crowd at Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church.  “We’re gonna love her while she’s here!”

A jubilant ovation erupts.  It was one of many during the five hour salute.

Every pew was packed and folding chairs were filled inside the 1500 seat sanctuary Sunday night as its pastor, Shirley Caesar, was crowned “Queen of Gospel.” 

The symbolic crown–previously worn by greats Mahalia Jackson and Albertina Walker–was passed to Walker’s protégé Caesar, whose accolades include 11 Grammy, 13 Stellar, and 18 Dove Awards; McDonald’s Golden Circle and SESAC Lifetime Achievement Awards; and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Throughout the celebratory musical, no less than 14 performers paid tribute with several of Her Majesty’s hits like “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name,” “Heaven,” and the perennial favorite, “No Charge.”  Pastor Caesar smiled, clapped, swayed, and occasionally stood in awe.

Even the youngest generation of gospel singers was well represented in the persons of twelve year-old Michael Boone, nine year-old Rev. Leniyus Sullivan, and eight year-old Symone “Baby Shirley” Spencer.

Also in the house as a surprise guest was Douglas Miller, whose classic “My Soul Has Been Anchored” ripened the atmosphere for a praise break.

In the styling of the British monarchy, Sunday’s coronation followed similar protocols such as Pastor Caesar being anointed with oil (left) by Bishop Harold I. Williams, Patriarch of the Mount Calvary Holy Church of America, Inc.  Dressed in an exquisite floor-length gown with dainty gold accents, the ageless beauty then rose to receive the charge from Evangelist Carolyn Sanders.  Following the charge and presentation of the Holy Bible, master of ceremony Jerry Smith of Radio One crowned Pastor Caesar, as the title “Queen of Gospel” was bestowed.  To a thunderous standing ovation, she was given a bouquet of flowers and presented with more gifts, including a trophy.

As the long evening drew to a close, Queen Shirley took to the lectern, graced the congregation with “Strong Man”–sprinkling a sermonette over its chorus–and expressed heartfelt gratitude along with a sobering exhortation.

“I charge you tonight,” she urged, “as many as who stand on my shoulders…walk holy…live holy….Live what you sing.  Live what you preach and teach.”

_________________________________
 
From left to right: twelve year-old Michael Boone sings “No Charge,” eight year-old Symone Spencer performs “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name,” and nine year-old Rev. Leniyus Sullivan delivers the Caravans’ “Lord Keep Me Day By Day.”
 
Grammy-winning producer Sanchez Harley recalls how Pastor Caesar orchestrated an opportunity for him to produce on her 1983 gospel album Sailin’, which garnered a Grammy.  After citing Caesar as his favorite singer, he adds, “That [crown] is not an imaginary token crown. She is the Queen–the real deal.”
 
 

Jerry Smith, of Radio One’s The Light 103.9FM, prepares to crown Pastor Caesar as Bishop Williams and Bernard Sterling look on.

 
 
The newly crowned “Queen of Gospel” receives more gifts including a framed commemorative announcement of the ceremony and a trophy presented by Dr. Mildred Summerville (second from left), on behalf of The Diamond Club.
 
 
 
 
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Shirley Caesar to be crowned this Sunday

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2012 Birthday Celebration for Bishop Harold Ivory Williams – April 20-22

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Shirley Caesar to be crowned “Queen of Gospel” – CALLING ALL FANS

Originally posted March 10, 2012 at 8:18PM
Last Updated April 26, 2012 at 3:08PM
Albertina Walker and Shirley Caesar

 

GMF has learned from Mildred Summerville that the “First Lady of Gospel” Pastor Shirley Caesar will be feted on April 29, 2012, during which she will be crowned the “Queen of Gospel.”  The metaphorical crown was previously worn by the late Albertina Walker, who passed October 2010.  Pastor Caesar, an alumna of the famous Caravans, considers Walker as a mentor, friend, and legend on whose shoulders she stands.

A multiple Grammy, Stellar and Dove award winner, Pastor Caesar is one of the most recognized and beloved women in gospel music, both here and abroad.  Her recording career stretches across six decades.

The crowning ceremony will take place at Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church (3100 Sanderford Road, Raleigh, NC), at 4 PM, where Caesar pastors.  The service will feature a host of gospel singers and performers including six year-old Symone Spencer, performing as Baby Shirley Caesar, Michael Boone, Leniyus Sullivan, Fayetteville State University Choir United Voices of Praise, Mount Calvary Word of Faith Choir, and the mini-stage play “Hold My Mule” by Lucy Hawkins of the 700 Club. 

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Also performing are: The Caesar Singers, Virginia Beach, Juan Santiago and JSUP, The Maryland Mass Chior, Ruth La’Ontra Jones, Bishop Floyd Knowlin & Lighthouse Choir, Steve Johnson & Singers, New Bethel Baptist Choir, TDK Mime, and Anointed Voices of Praise.

Jerry Smith of The Light 103.9FM and Peggy Tatum of TCP Magazine will host.

The service is open to the public and all seats are free.

Update (3/17/12):  A fan club donation along with congratulatory cards will be presented to Pastor Caesar during the ceremony.  This is your chance to give her flowers while she can enjoy them, by showing her just how much her music has meant to you.

Cards as well as donations of any amount are welcomed.  All checks should be made payable to Pastor Shirley Caesar and mailed to:

Dr. Mildred Summerville
Fan Club Coordinator
P.O. Box 21
Wilson, NC  27894

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Shirley Caesar on Today’s ‘Singingest’ Women, Whitney, and the Big Screen  

Shirley Caesar on Today’s ‘Singingest’ Women, Whitney, and the Big Screen

Shirley CaesarBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Ever since she was twelve years old, Pastor Shirley Caesar has been living and singing for Jesus.  More than six decades later, the multi-award-winning petite powerhouse shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.  To the thousands who follow her ministry, it seems she not only gets better with age, but more youthful. Pastor Caesar’s ageless beauty, high energy, and lightning quick moves across stages and pulpits all over the world are unparalleled, but it’s her unmistakable sound, unapologetic consistency and unwavering spiritual conviction that have catapulted her into a class all by herself.

Ever since she was twelve years old, Pastor Shirley Caesar has been living and singing for Jesus.  More than six decades later, the multi-award winning petite powerhouse shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.  To the thousands who follow her ministry, it seems she not only gets better with age, but more youthful. Pastor Caesar’s ageless beauty, high energy, and lightning quick moves across stages and pulpits all over the world are unparalleled, but it’s her unmistakable sound, unapologetic consistency and unwavering spiritual conviction that have catapulted her into a class all by herself.

The day I spoke with Pastor Caesar, she was prepping for a relatively light task among numerous undertakings: performing and guesting as co-ringmaster for the UniverSoul Circus in Raleigh, where she resides.  She was also discussing plans for McDonald’s GospelFest 2012, at which she will perform Mother’s Day Weekend in Newark, NJ.  This year’s theme is “Honor Thy Mother.”  It is a theme that’s dear to Pastor Caesar’s heart, for she has always been very candid about her relationship with her own.

“I watched my mom,” Pastor Caesar told GospelFlava.com a few years ago. “She didn’t teach me by word. She taught me by actions. I watched Mama and I watched her feed other folks. I saw my mom give second hand clothes to others in the community. I learned giving and sharing and through that I learned what true ministry is.”

Certainly, Pastor Caesar’s regard for her mother is evident particularly because she has recorded more “mama” songs than any other gospel artist, including her personal musical tribute “I Remember Mama.”  (“Don’t Drive Your Mama Away,” “Faded Rose,” “I Love You Mama,” “Everyday is Like Mother’s Day,” and the country-turned-gospel classic “No Charge” are also part of her mama-themed catalog.)

For “The First Lady of Gospel,” however, ministry is filled with encouragement, admonitions, and old-fashioned mother wit–not just concerning respect for the family matriarch, but for nearly all of life’s twists and turns.  Her anointing to pack a song with power that transforms may very well be the reason she has collected eleven Grammys, something she considers to be her greatest accomplishment aside from salvation.

 
Caravans

It was probably that very same quality the late Albertina Walker noticed when she invited a then-teenage Caesar (pictured at far left) to join the famous Caravans in 1958.  By no means was Walker’s group short on talent, but it was young Shirley Caesar’s vim and vocals that helped them soar to new heights.  Fast forward to 2012: if Pastor Caesar had the role of recruiting for an all-star lineup similar to the Caravans, who would she pick?

“Oh wow!  Let me tell you, one of the singingest women I know is Yolanda Adams–I would pull her out there in a heartbeat,” she declares.  “I like Kim Burrell.  I like…now we’re talking gospel, right?”

“Right,” I clarify before appending a second thought, “or if you would like to pull someone from– ”

“Aretha Franklin!” she exclaims without hesitation.  “Yes, yes, that’s my girl.  And my goddaughter who now sleeps was Whitney Houston…oh an awesome young woman gone too soon.”  Pastor Caesar pauses wistfully, but quickly resumes, “There are many other voices out there, and I would include myself right in there with them–you know we have to give [audiences] some traditional gospel…and Vanessa Bell Armstrong, yeah, I would pull her in.  And if it’s still gospel, Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle!  Wow, don’t get me started with gospel singing and women!”

Pastor Caesar also has high praise for the industry’s newest vocalists.  “We have some powerful young singers out there too that recently won [BET’s] Sunday Best.  I’d pull them in too; those are some singing women.”

Not surprisingly, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee has performed with most if not all of the notables she mentioned.  Is there a dream collaboration that remains?

“Andraé Crouch. I’ve always wanted to sing something with him,” she says.  “But I’d like to do some more on the big screen; I’d like to do some acting.”  To date, Pastor Caesar’s movie credits consist of appearances in The Fighting Temptations, The Unseen, and a cameo in Why Do Fools Fall in Love?  She has also starred in musical stage plays and guested on sitcoms over the years.

For the living legend, acting is not a mere extension of her remarkable career.  Rather, it is yet another means to present her message, her music, and her Messiah to the masses.

 
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McDonald’s GospelFest 2012 is set for Saturday, May 12, 2012, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.  Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.