Artist

Shirley Caesar

Wins

Nominations

Biography

"I'm in the fourth quarter of my life, and I’m doing everything I can to be the best humanitarian and best person that I can be."

Born Shirley Ann Caesar-Williams on Oct. 13, 1938, in Durham, North Carolina
Shirley Caesar is often referred to as the First Lady of Gospel. She recorded in the 1960s with the esteemed gospel group the Caravans, and launched a solo career in 1966 with the album My Testimony. Caesar has created an iconic body of work through the decades that includes such powerfully affecting recordings as "Faded Rose," "I Remember Mama" and "Rejoice."
She won her first GRAMMY for 1971 for Best Soul Gospel Performance for her cover of "Put Your Hand In The Hand Of The Man From Galilee."
At the 38th GRAMMY Awards, she made her debut on the GRAMMY stage as part of a gospel tribute, singing a medley with Whitney Houston and CeCe Winans.
Caesar became a viral sensation in 2016 when a remixed clip of her performing "Hold My Mule" was released before Thanksgiving and inspired the U Name it challenge.
In 2017 Caesar received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Recording Academy.
Caesar founded the Shirley Caesar Outreach Ministries to serve the neglected and those in need in the Raleigh-Durham community.

2026 • 68th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

2017 • 59th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

Best Gospel Performance/Song

It's Alright, It's Ok. Shirley Caesar, Anthony Hamilton, Stanley Brown, Courtney Rumble
Best Gospel Album

Fill This House. Shirley Caesar

2011 • 53rd Annual GRAMMY® Awards

2006 • 48th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

2005 • 47th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance

The Stone. Shirley Caesar, Ann Nesby

2004 • 46th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

2002 • 44th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

2001 • 43rd Annual GRAMMY® Awards

2000 • 42nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards

1998 • 40th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

1997 • 39th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

1996 • 38th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

1994 • 36th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

1993 • 35th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

1991 • 33rd Annual GRAMMY® Awards

1989 • 31st Annual GRAMMY® Awards

Best Soul Gospel Vocal Performance, Male, Female

Live... In Chicago (Album). Shirley Caesar

1988 • 30th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

Best Soul Gospel Vocal Performance, Male, Female

The Lord Will Make A Way (Track). Shirley Caesar

1987 • 29th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

Best Soul Gospel Vocal Performance, Male, Female

Celebration (Album). Shirley Caesar
Best Soul Gospel Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group, Choir Or Chorus

Jesus Is Mine (Track). Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker

1986 • 28th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

1985 • 27th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

Best Soul Gospel Vocal Performance, Male, Female

Sailin'. Shirley Caesar
Best Soul Gospel Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group, Choir Or Chorus

Rejoice (Track). Shirley Caesar
Best Soul Gospel Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group, Choir Or Chorus

Sailin' On The Sea Of Your Love. Shirley Caesar, Al Green