San Francisco Examiner critic James Kelton said, "The energy transmitted between her and her audience makes most rock'n'roll fanaticism seem like empty piety." A quote that still stands true today for the energetic 11-time Grammy Award-winning artist Shirley Caesar.
Whether mingling with Oprah Winfrey, shooting a film with Beyonce or performing for the President of The United States, she continues to record albums that not only win multiple awards but also touch individuals in unexplainable measures.
A woman who has always exhibited unparalleled charisma, who could have, long ago, retired and rested on her many successes, does it again.
On September 6th Caesar will release her 41st CD "I Know The Truth"-the first to be released on her new record label Shu-Bel Records-distributed through Artemis Gospel (formerly known as Light Records), to include 12 tracks with a variety of styles including a twist of hip hop, church, and quartet where she undoubtedly brings her signature energetic powerhouse vocals with an abundance of love and encouragement.
"We at Artemis Gospel are honored to partner with Pastor Shirley Caesar and her label Shu-Bel Records and consider it a privilege to be chosen as her label home," said Phillip White, former GM of Light Records now President of Artemis Gospel. Ã’To begin a new label with an artist of the caliber of Pastor Caesar is a dream situation that few label executives ever get to experience."
Just as people listened to her past recordings and were encouraged, "I Know The Truth" continues her philosophy and combines music with ministry to convey her messages.
The unexpected surprise is Stellar and Dove award-winning recording artist Tonéx who joined Caesar in the studio collaborating on "I Know The Truth" where Caesar actually raps.
"Working with Pastor Caesar was nothing short of amazing", said Tonéx. not only is she young and hip, she wanted to do the hard stuff in hip-hop that I didn't expect to happen. I have wanted to put her in my world for about five years now and I spoke it prophetically a long time ago. I still can't believe that it's really manifesting!"
Other stand-out songs include "Every Day is Like Mother's Day," in memory of Caesar's mother, and "Jail Bird," a country song about a man on death row who commits himself to God.
Overall, Caesar takes her listeners on a joyous ride showing versatility while her usual energy uplifts and encourages.
"The project itself is vintage Shirley Caesar and offers a few things a little different from the norm for her," said producer Sanchez Harley. "The industry should get ready, cause Pastor Caesar is still here."
Earning numerous accolades including 11Grammys, 13 Stellar Awards, 18 Dove Awards, an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and recently honored at Oprah Winfrey's Legend's Ball for her contributions to the arts and entertainment, Caesar has surpassed her wildest dreams.
She has successfully recorded forty albums and performed duets with extraordinary vocalists as Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Faith Evans and Destiny's Child Michelle Williams enabling her to effectively bridge the gap between R&B and Gospel music.
Indeed a living legend, Caesar has made several notable appearances including a series of commercials for MCI Communications, the televised Live from Disney World Night of Joy, the Gospel According to VH-1, a White House performance for George Bush, and a speech on the Evolution of Gospel Music to the US Treasury Department.
She completed her third sold-out run on Broadway, starring in "Born To Sing," the third installment of the "Mama I Want to Sing" trilogy. She played New York's Madison Square Garden in the hit gospel musical, "This Is My Song," with Cissy Houston and Tramaine Hawkins .
She has also been involved with four major motion picture soundtracks, including Whitney Houston "The Preacher's Wife ," the John Singleton film "Rosewood," and acting roles with Warner Brothers Films' "Why Do Fools Fall In Love
and Paramount Pictures "The Fighting Temptations" with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Beyonce' Knowles.
While the music industry keeps her busy, she always finds her way back to assume her pastoral duties, at Mt. Calvary Word of Faith in North Carolina, where her messages of encouragement and peace are heard throughout the
community.
Shirley Caesar is the essence of inspiration and vitality--a global sensation.
