Shirley Caesar Named Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | “Rock My Soul” Honoree
Shirley Caesar Named Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
“Rock My Soul” Honoree
It has long been noted that Rock and Roll has its roots in Gospel
music, so it was only fitting that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
kicked off their 2009 Induction Week by honoring Pastor Shirley Caesar
with the first annual “Rock My Soul” concert. The award was presented
to Shirley Caesar Sunday March 29th in recognition of her contributions as “an artist who uplifts and enlightens many, using her gift of music and ministry.”
The
sold-out “Rock My Soul” show at Cleveland Ohio’s Playhouse Square’s
Allen Theatre included performances by artists J. Moss and Richard
Smallwood & Vision as well as tributes from city officials and
artists who had gathered to celebrate Pastor Caesar and her over 40
year ministry. As the headliner, Shirley Caesar completed the evening
of celebration with the kind of powerful gospel performance that has
made her an icon.
Mayor
Frank G. Jackson delivered a proclamation highlighting her
contributions to gospel music and its affect on the rock and roll
movement. The program progressed with tributes by local aggregations;
“The Word” Church and the
With
more the than 2,100 attendees on their feet for most of the evening,
those less familiar with gospel music were drawn in by the praise and
worship experience. When they thought it couldn’t get any better gospel
music mainstay Richard Smallwood took the stage and sang “Lord, you are
the source of my strength.” J. Moss then followed with an acappella
rendition of Caesar’s “No Charge”. The soul-stirring song, originally
recorded in 1983 by Caesar, continues to garner an up roaring of
praise.
As
Caesar was preparing to take the stage, greeted with a standing
ovation, she exclaimed: “This is the day the Lord has made and I am
going to rejoice.” Along with her coveted Caesar Singers she used the
stage as a canvas to paint a praise-filled picture; dancing and singing
many of her hit songs from the past 40 years.
The
“Rock My Soul” tribute is a celebration of the roots of rock and roll
music. “While this is the first year for this event, it is our hope
that it will be an annual, community-wide celebration honoring rock and
roll music’s gospel roots and incredible legacy of Cleveland churches,”
shares Terry Stewart, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame and Museum.
About Shu-Bel/Light Records
Shu-Bel Records partners with the Light Records family that is based in
Light Records serves as a full service independent music company and is
committed to releasing and offering quality Gospel music. Light
Records is home to a diverse group of Gospel artists including Shirley
Caesar, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Youthful Praise and JJ Hairston, Coko,
and Paul Porter. You can also visit www.lightrecords.com for more information.
About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
The
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is the nonprofit organization
that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the
world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll
music. It carries out this mission both through its operation of a
world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets
this art form and through its library and archives as well as its
educational programs.
Light Records