Eleven-time Grammy-winning gospel singer Shirley Caesar will receive the 2,583rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Tuesday in connection with her 50th anniversary as a solo artist.
Fellow gospel singers Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin will join Caesar in speaking at the 11:30 a.m. ceremony in front of The Fonda Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
The star is near those of fellow gospel singers BeBe and CeCe Winans.
Caesar “is known as a musical trailblazer who has influenced a wide range of artists across genres,” said Leron Gubler, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which oversees the Walk of Fame. “Her career has made an indelible mark on American music and the sounds of gospel.”
Caesar was born on October 13, 1938, in Durham, North Carolina and began her recording career as “Baby Shirley” when she was 13 years old.
Gospel legend Albertina Walker invited Williams to join The Caravans when she was in college. Williams performed with the Chicago-based group for eight years.
Caesar began her solo career in 1966 and has recorded more than 40 albums. Her most memorable hits include “No Charge,” “Hold My Mule,” “Jesus I Love Calling Your Name,” “I Remember Mama” and “He’s Working It Out For You.”
Caesar’s most recent album, “Fill This House,” was released on June 3.
Caesar won her first Grammy in 1971 for best soul gospel performance for “Put Your Hand In The Hand Of The Man From Galilee.” Her most recent was in 2000 for best traditional soul gospel album for “You Can Make It.”
Caesar is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the recipient of 18 Dove Awards, which honor outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry, and 14 Stellar Awards, which honor gospel music artists, writers, and industry professionals.
Caesar has performed for every U.S. president since Jimmy Carter.
Caesar and her husband, Harold I. Williams, were co-pastors of the 1,500- member Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, until his death on July 4, 2014. Caesar was a member of the Durham City Council from 1987-1991.
