Shirley Caesar Named Rock and Roll Hall of Fame “Rock My Soul” Honoree

From a Light Records Press Release:

Nashville, TN – 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 its 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 Antioch Baptist Church choir featuring Helen Turner-Thompson, along with other local performers Tyniece J. and Company, and Stormy Cleveland.

With more 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 uproaring 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 Nashville, TN. 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. In fact, rock and roll music is so important in the music industry that video games and even casino games are based on it, an article from Grind House goes into this and how people can play so they too feel like these rock stars. IThe Hall of Fame 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.

Photo Credit: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum