Yolanda Adams, a gospel singer and the host of her own national morning show has become one of the best-selling gospel singers of all time. She is the first gospel artist to be honored with an American Music Award. Her spectacular performances and inspiring lyrics touched the hearts of people of different backgrounds. The universal themes of love, hope and perseverance bring together people from all walks of life. Find out more about Adams’ path from schoolteacher to modern gospel queen at houstonski.
Early years
Yolanda Yvette Adams was born in Houston on August 27, 1961, to a family of a major and a schoolteacher. Adams’ mother studied music in college, therefore the girl grew up listening to jazz and classical music. Furthermore, at a young age, she was introduced to gospel music – a genre of music based on gospel stories originating from solo unanimous spiritual hymns of North American African-American Baptists. The genre emerged at the end of the 19th century but gained particular popularity in the 1930s. This type of music is vocal and harmonious.
Following her graduation from Sterling High School, Adams pursued a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Texas Southern University. After completing her education, Yolanda began teaching at a school while also working as a model. Subsequently, she left her job at the school to pursue a career as a soloist.
Musical career
While performing as the lead vocalist of the Southeast Inspirational Choir affiliated with the Church of God in Christ, Adams caught the attention of the Sound of Gospel Record and gospel singer Thomas Whitfield. In 1982, the choir released the record “For My Liberty” with Adams as the vocalist.
Subsequently, Yolanda signed with Sound of Gospel Records, releasing her debut album “Just As I Am” in 1987. Three years later, the singer was discovered by producer and keyboardist Ben Tankard. She signed with his label, Tribute Records, and released her second album, “Through The Storm”.
In 1993, the Houstonian released her third album, “Save the World”. It included the hit song “The Battle Is The Lord’s”. The album “More Than a Melody” was Adams’ fourth studio album. It is best known for the single “Gotta Have Love” and a cover of Steve Miller’s classic song “Fly Like an Eagle”. Prior to the first, the artist produced her first music video.
The following album, “Yolanda… Live in Washington,” featured performances previously accessible only on Live VHS concerts, as well as two studio tracks, “Praise Your Holy Name” and “Thank You.”
The album “Songs from the Heart” became famous for the single “Still I Rise”. It was dedicated to Rosa Parks, an American public figure whose name is associated with the beginning of the mass struggle of African Americans for equal rights in America. The song demonstrates Adams’ strong voice and conveys the idea of resilience in the face of difficulties. This song has become an anthem for those going through hard times.
Adams gained real fame after the release of her album “Mountain High… Valley Low” in 1999. Some well-known artists and producers, like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, contributed to its creation. In 2000, Yolanda received a Grammy Award for the album. The romantic song “Open My Heart” demonstrated Adams’ extraordinary vocal range and emotional depth. The track was an instant success, reaching the top of the gospel charts. The song “Fragile Heart” is an emotionally complex ballad that demonstrates Adams’ vulnerability and authenticity as she sings of the fragility of the human heart and the need for love and compassion.
In 2000, the singer released Christmas songs, and a year later, a concert (live) album called “The Experience,” which was recorded during stage performances. The album also included two covers of R. Kelly’s song “I Believe I Can Fly”. The singer was awarded a Grammy for it.
The eighth studio album, “Believe,” was released in 2001 and featured the hits “Never Give Up” and “I’m Gonna Be Ready.” The first track was a sort of reaction to the September 11 terrorist attack. The song encourages perseverance and determination, reminding listeners to keep going forward despite difficulties. This album received a gold certificate from the Recording Industry Association of America. Adams later performed the song at a concert at the White House during the presidency of George W. Bush.
After a four-year break, the singer returned in 2005 with her ninth studio album, “Day By Day.” It contains the singles “Be Blessed”, “Someone Watching Over You”, “This Too Shall Pass” and “Victory”. The latter was used in the Christian drama film “The Gospel” in 2005. This upbeat hymn celebrates the victories that come from unwavering faith. With its relaxing melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Be Blessed” tells the story of how crucial it is to adapt and believe in the best in times of uncertainty. In the song “This Too Shall Pass,” Adams’ silky voice takes center stage, reminding listeners that bad times in life are just temporary.
In 2007, Adams signed with Columbia Records. She released her tenth studio album, “What a Wonderful Time,” in October of the same year, with the lead single “Hold On.” Her eleventh studio album, “Becoming,” was released in 2011.
Adams’ vocal range extends over several octaves. Her ability to hit high notes and manage her voice has played an important role in her success as a gospel singer. Throughout her career, Yolanda has worked with a number of well-known artists, including Alicia Keys, Donnie McClurkin and the Mary Mary duo. These collaborations have resulted in memorable and powerful performances.
Morning radio show and book release
After the release of her album “What a Wonderful Time” in 2007, Yolanda began her career in radio. In particular, she hosted The Yolanda Adams Morning Show, which was broadcast on over 26 radio markets in less than two years.
In 2010, Adams published the book “Points of Power”, which was inspired by one of the fragments of the radio show of the same name. This is a book about living a pure, spiritual Christian life.
Personal life
From 1987 to 1990, Adams was married to Troy Mason. They divorced, and, 7 years after the divorce, she married former National Football League player Tim Crawford. The couple had a daughter, Taylor Adams, and in 2004 they divorced.
Recognition
In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded the singer with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her voluntary work. A year later, she was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
In 2018, Yolanda became the first gospel singer to be nominated for a Tony Award for her participation in the musical “SpongeBob SquarePants”. In 2019, she received the Soul Train Music Awards Lady of Soul Award for her performance of “America the Beautiful” at the Super Bowl.
The American magazine Billboard named Adams one of the Top Gospel Artists of the 2010s. In 2022, Adams’ name was added to the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame, which honors black figures in the field of music and entertainment. Adams has also won multiple Grammys, Stellar Gospel Music Awards and other music awards.
The Houstonian has had a significant impact on the music industry. Her deep voice and thought-provoking lyrics inspired a new generation of gospel musicians and helped to popularize the genre.