Yolanda Adams

Word of Yolanda’s talent began to make its way into the close-knit Gospel music community and before long the former schoolteacher caught the attention of the prolific composer/producer Thomas Whitfield. With his assistance, Yolanda recorded1987’s Just As I Am, which was released on a small Gospel label. The album drew comparisons to Aretha Franklin and lead to subsequent releases on Tribute Records (now Verity Records). 1991’s Through The Storm earned Yolanda several Stellar Awards. Four years later, the R&B-infused More Than A Melody garnered Yolanda her first Soul Train Lady of Soul Award and Grammy nomination. Along with the accolades, More Than A Melody “broke” Yolanda to a wider audience and established her as a force, in and out of the music industry.

Yolanda began to make a name as a live act and her galvanizing concerts became the stuff of legend. The excitement was captured on 1996’s Yolanda…Live In Washington, which brought her another Stellar Award and another Grammy nomination, and lead to her signing with Elektra Records. Yolanda’s first release on the mainstream powerhouse was 1999’s groundbreaking Mountain High…Valley Low.

A testament not only to the power of faith but also the possibilities of collaboration, Mountain High…Valley Low was an album that preached not only to the converted but also to fans of urban music. Working with A-list producers like Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Keith Thomas, Yolanda made the cross over without watering down or compromising her message, and fans and critics took notice. Typical of the reviews was one that stated, ”much of the album recalls Stevie Wonder or Bob Marley, where spirituality is at the center but it doesn’t limit the musical expression.” The album would go multi-platinum, receive the Grammy in 2000 for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album and the first American Music Award for Inspirational Artist of the Year, win several Stellar Awards, and spawn the hugely successful Sisters In the Spirit Tour. That journey - also featuring Shirley Caesar, Mary Mary, and Angela Christie - became the inspiration for Yolanda’s acclaimed second live collection, The Experience. That same year Yolanda also released her first holiday album, Christmas With Yolanda Adams, and gave birth to her daughter, whom Yolanda lovingly describes as “a very good child, in and out of the womb.”