No. Shug Avery is the character. The singer is Tata Vega and yes she is a recorded gospel singer.

Shug Avery arrives in "The Color Purple" on page 42 of the book.

Shug Avery is a character in "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker. She is a glamorous and confident blues singer who becomes romantically involved with both Celie and Mister. Shug serves as a catalyst for Celie's self-discovery and empowerment throughout the novel.

albert

The first person Celie kissed, was Shug Avery.