DCVB to Honor Shirley Caesar

Many say that the gospel is the good news, and good news is exactly what Durham's Annual Tribute Luncheon is all about. This year’s honoree has also spent her life sharing good news.

Pastor Shirley Caesar, known worldwide as the Queen of Gospel Music, is certainly one of Durham’s most notable religious figures. Born and raised in Durham, Pastor Caesar started her singing career at age 11. Over the course of her career she has earned 11 Grammy Awards, a RIAA certified gold record & video, 13 Stellar Awards, 18 Dove Awards, and numerous other accolades.  She has transcended the Gospel music arena starring in feature films, authoring books, and recording with everyone from Bob Dylan to Patti Labelle, making her one of music’s most celebrated and in demand personas.

Actively ministering throughout the world, she references Durham regularly, bringing praise to the community at every opportunity. After returning to Durham from Chicago following a successful eight-year run with the famed Caravans, Pastor Caesar founded the Shirley Caesar Outreach Ministries, Inc. in Durham to aid families in need with emergency funding, food, and shelter funded by 50% of her concert revenue.

In 1987 Pastor Caesar ran a successful campaign for Durham City Council and served from 1987 – 1991.  Her fame gives her an outstanding platform from which she shares her love of this place, and DCVB is excited to be honoring her this year. Pastor Caesar is equally as excited. When asked how it felt to be honored in this way she said, “It's nice to be appreciated. I’m grateful Durham is thankful to have me because I am still a part of Durham.”

Scheduled for April 24th, 2013 at 11:30 AM in the Durham Convention Center, the luncheon is always an event to remember. Tickets are on sale now at tributeluncheon.com. The event is expected to be a sell-out.

“This event is a way for a special aspect of Durham to be celebrated every year,” said Shelly Green, President and CEO of the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau, which organizes this annual event. “Her roots and her heart are still in Durham. We’re happy to recognize her contributions this way.”