Pastor Shirley Caesar performs “Lord I Need You To Help Me” at AngieStone’s funeral in Columbia, SC. | Billie Jean Shaw

Shirley Caesar, often referred to as the "First Lady of Gospel," is a towering figure in the gospel music world whose career has spanned over seven decades. Born on October 13, 1938, in Durham, North Carolina, Caesar grew up in a deeply religious household, where the seeds of her musical career were planted. She started singing in church at an early age, and by the time she was ten, she was performing in various local churches and events, earning her the nickname "Baby Shirley." In her early tee