What is Shirley Caesar's Net Worth?
Shirley Caesar, an American gospel singer, boasts a net worth of $6 million. With over 40 albums to her name spanning seven decades, she is rightfully dubbed 'The First Lady of Gospel.' Shirley has been honored with several Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Awards, and in 2017, she received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the years, she has made notable appearances on television and at White House events.
Early Life
Born on October 13, 1938, in Durham, North Carolina, Shirley Caesar was the tenth of 13 children. Her father, Jim, a known local gospel singer, passed away when she was seven. As a child, Shirley often sang for family and friends, garnering invitations to perform across the Carolinas.
The Caravans
In 1958, Shirley approached gospel singer Albertina Walker to join her popular gospel group, The Caravans. Impressed by her talent, Albertina welcomed her in. Shirley found great success with the Caravans, especially with hit songs like "Sweeping Through the City" and "No Coward Soldier." After eight years, she left when she secured a solo recording contract with Hob Records.
Hob Records and Roadshow Records
Shirley's debut LP for Hob Records, "I'll Go," featured popular tracks like "Oh Peter, Don't Be Afraid" and "Choose Ye This Day." She continued to deliver hits with songs such as "God's Not Dead, He's Yet Alive" and "Don't Drive Your Mama Away." Shirley won her first Grammy Award in 1971 for "Put Your Hand in the Hand of the Man." In 1975, she earned her first Gold-certified record with "No Charge." Seeking a larger audience, Shirley signed with Roadshow Records in 1977, becoming the first woman to record for the label. She released the album "First Lady" and later "From the Heart" in 1978.
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Further Music Successes
In 1980, Shirley signed with Word Records, where she achieved numerous hits on the gospel charts throughout the decade. Albums like "Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name," "Sailin'," "Celebration," and "I Remember Mama" gained immense popularity. Notable songs during this period include "God's Got it All in Control" and "Hold My Mule." Throughout the early 1990s, Shirley continued her success with albums like "He's Working it Out for You" and "Stand Still," winning seven Dove Awards for Black Gospel Album of the Year between 1981 and 1995. Towards the late 1990s, she released "A Miracle in Harlem" and "Christmas with Shirley Caesar" and received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1999. In 2000, she was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
In 2001, she released the album "Hymns," which reached number four on the Top Gospel Albums chart. Shirley continued to work steadily throughout the 2000s and 2010s with albums like "You Can Make It," "Shirley Caesar & Friends," "I Know the Truth," "A City Called Heaven," "Good God," and "Harvest Gospel." Her 2016 album "Fill This House" reached number one on the Top Gospel Albums chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Album. Shortly after its release, Shirley received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Film and Television
Shirley Caesar has appeared in films and television series. In 1998, she played a funeral singer in "Why Do Fools Fall in Love." She also had a cameo in the 2003 film "The Fighting Temptations." On television, she made guest appearances on the sitcoms "Good News" and "The Parkers."
Other Appearances
Notably, Shirley performed for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House in 2015. She also delivered a speech on gospel music to the US Treasury Department.
Personal Life
Though Shirley did not pursue a college degree in her youth, she returned to school later and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Shaw University in 1984. She also studied at Duke University's divinity school.
In 1983, Shirley married Bishop Harold I. Williams. Together, they co-pastored the Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, which has a 1,500-member congregation, until his passing in 2014. Shirley has two stepchildren from her marriage.
North Carolina Mansion
In 2001, Shirley and Harold purchased a home in Raleigh, North Carolina, for $1.5 million. They listed the 9,000-square-foot mansion for sale in July 2021 for $1.55 million, revealing a Star Wars-themed movie theater and bar. In March 2022, Shirley sold the home for $1.5 million.
