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. 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 Tonx
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 Tonx. 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.
!