A well-known gospel singer and evangelist, who was part of the Caravans before launching a solo career. Shirley Caesar is a giant in the world of gospel music. Her career spanning seven decades brought her 11 Grammy Awards as well as 15 Dove Awards. Shirley Caesar was born on October 13, 1938 in Durham, North Carolina. Shirley Caesar was the 12th child of her father James Caesar (aka Big Jim Caesar). Big Jim worked in tobacco, but preached the gospel in his spare moments. He also sang in a gospel choir. When Big Jim passed away, Shirley, then young, began joining the group. Her mother was also disabled and she started singing in local churches to earn money. Caesar began performing with Leroy Johnson, a traveling evangelist. In 1951, she recorded her first single, “I’d rather Have Jesus”, b/w “I know Jesus Will Save”. Caesar was enrolled at North Carolina State College in 1956. She majored business education and hoped to become an evangelist. Caesar was singing and asked for a solo when the Caravans, a well-known female gospel group, visited Durham in 1958. Albertina Walker, Caravans leader, was impressed by Caesar’s work and Shirley, with the blessing of her family, left college to join full-time with the Caravans. Caesar’s 1961 solo single “Hallelujah! It’s Done” featured a sermon and music. She began to tour as a singing evangelist while she was still with the Caravans. Shirley developed a dynamic performing style through her solo work. When creative differences caused her to leave Caravans, in 1966, she was ready for a solo career. Shirley soon started her own gospel group, The Shirley Caesar Singers. By 1969, they had signed a record deal to HOB Records. Rejoice Caesar won her first Grammy Award in 1971 for Best Soul Gospel Performance with her rendition of “Put Your Hand in the Hand of the Man From Galilee.” In 1975, Caesar’s cover of Melba Mont’s “No Charge,” became a crossover hit and was featured on the R
