The oldest of six siblings, Adams was raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Sterling High School in Houston in 1979. After graduating from University of California Berkeley, she began a career as a schoolteacher and part-time model in Houston, Texas. Eventually she gave up teaching to perform full-time as a lead singer.
Musical career;
Beginnings;
Adams attracted the attention of Thomas Whitfield and Sound of Gospel Records as a lead singer in the Southeast Inspirational Choir. She signed a recording contract with Sound of Gospel which yielded her first album Just As I Am in 1987.[4] In 1990, she signed to Ben Tankard's independent label Tribute Records and released Through The Storm.
Two years later, Adams followed with Save the World, which included her first signature song "The Battle Is The Lord's". Her next release was 1995's More Than A Melody, which featured production work from Ben Tankard, O'Landa Draper, and BeBe Winans. The single "Gotta Have Love," from that album featuring Tony Terry on background vocals, gained mainstream notoriety and was her first single and music video. Yolanda... Live In Washington, released the following year, featured versions of material from her first two albums. The footage from this recording was released as a collection of two videos on VHS initially, and later as a single set on DVD.
Songs from the Heart was her final release for Verity Records and included "Only Believe" which was popular songs on contemporary radio. The album also included "Still I Rise," a dedication to Rosa Parks which was inspired by the Maya Angelou poem of the same name.
"Fragile Heart", was dedicated to the memory of Yolanda's long time road manager who died in 1998. Adams' first significant attention outside the urban contemporary gospel arena came with the release of Mountain High... Valley Low in 1999 on Elektra Records. Several mainstream artists and producers helped in the production of this album including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson, Boyz II Men), James "Big Jim" Wright (Mariah Carey, Nicole C. Mullen), Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary, Brandy), and Keith Thomas (BeBe & CeCe Winans). The album went Platinum in 2000 and won her a Grammy Award. Notable singles from the album include Yeah", "Fragile Heart", and "Open My Heart".
In 2000, Adams released a Christmas album, and in 2001 she released a live album (The Experience). The Experience netted Adams a second Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. Believe, which included the hit "Never Give Up" was released in 2001. She would later go on to perform this song at "The Salute to Gospel Music" at the White House during President George W. Bush's administration. Believe was certified Gold in 2002. The Divas Of Gospel, with Albertina Walker (queen of gospel), was also released in 2001.
Yolanda recorded a song for the 2003 film, Honey titled "I Believe" that played during the last scene in the final dance.
Adams was also a judge for the 2nd annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers.
Back after break;
After nearly four years without releasing an album, Adams returned in 2005 with Day By Day. Although charting higher than Mountain High...Valley Low on the Billboard 100, and Billboard R&B Albums Chart, It didn't get a RIAA certification. The album featured the singles "Be Blessed," "Someone Watching Over You," "This Too Shall Pass", and "Victory" which was prominently featured in the movie The Gospel. After ending her long association with Atlantic Records, They released a greatest hits collection entitled The Best of Me in May 2007. Adams signed with Columbia Records in 2007. Columbia released What a Wonderful Time, her second holiday collection in October 2007. "Hold On" was released as the lead single.
2008-Present;
In 2007 after releasing her holiday album with Columbia, She stated in different interviews that she was currently in the planning stages for a new album. Her official website states that it will be a duets project including possible collaborations with Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Natalie Cole, Trin-i-Tee 5:7, and Mary Mary. In a interview with Commercial Appeal. Adams stated that Chaka Khan, and Shirley Caesar might be on the new project also. In March 2009, she was interview by a FOX station in Houston, where she stated that her women's clothing line and new album is still in progress. The new album is currently untitled, and will be out in the last quarter of the year. She stated that the new album will be full of dance tracks. Adams' may do a secular album in the future.
Adams' song "Hold On" is included in a compilation in support of Barack Obama's campaign entitled 'Yes We Can: Voices of a Grass Roots Movement'.
Adams performed the National Anthem at the 2009 BCS National Championship game between the #1 University of Florida and #2 University of Oklahoma in Dolphin Stadium (Miami, Florida).
Personal life;
In 1997, Yolanda Adams married former NFL player Tim Crawford. The couple divorced in August 2004. They had one daughter, Taylor Ayanna, in 2001. Yolanda served as a spokesperson for the FILA Corporation's Operation Rebound, a program that addressed the concern of inner city schoolchildren. On October 15, 2008, Yolanda Adams' mother Carolyn Jean Adams died.
Be Still
Yolanda Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Its been a long time since we've
gotten together like this
And I really miss you.
I told you could talk to me
But it's easier for you, I see.
For you to rush, and get in a hurry
To be anxious and to worry
You'd rather do all yourself
But you know you need my help.
[Chorus]
Be still and know
Just be still and know
I will never leave you side
I will never make you cry
You've got to know I already know
The plans I have to make you thrive
give you hope and Peace of mind
You must be still
Your best in the my hands
Your success is in my plan
With tenderness I speak to you . in restfulness I keep you.
I wash your fears away so doubt can never stay,
when I stand strong in you
I give you power to renew but,
you never take the time out
sit in silence and to find out,
I've always been right here
waiting on you to come near me.
[Chorus]
Be still and know
Just be still and know
I will never leave you side
I will never make you cry
You've got to know I already know
The plans I have to make you thrive
give you hope and Peace of mind
You must be still
So hold, hold on to my hand
and rest in my arms and hear
hear the still small voice saying you can make it
I've never let you down
[Chorus]
Be still and know
Just be still and know
I will never leave you side
I will never make you cry
You've got to know I already know
The plans I have to make you thrive
give you hope and Peace of mind
You must be still
In Yolanda Adams' song "Be Still," the message is clear: slow down and trust in God. The song begins with Adams' invitation to her listener to come close and listen. It's been a long time since they've gotten together like this, and she really misses them. Adams reminds her listener that she is always available to talk to and that if they approach her with their worries or anxieties, they will find peace and safety in her company.
Despite Adams' offer to help, the listener seems to prefer rushing through life and figuring things out on their own. However, the song emphasizes the importance of taking the time to sit in silence and find peace in God's presence. The chorus encourages the listener to "be still and know" that they are not alone, that God is with them always, and that He has plans to make them thrive, give them hope, and peace of mind. The song concludes with a reminder to hold onto God's hand and rest in His arms, trusting that they can make it through anything with His guidance and support.
Overall, "Be Still" is a powerful reminder to slow down, listen to God, and trust in His plan for our lives. The song is a call to reassess our priorities, to take a step back from the noise and distractions of life and to remember that we are not alone. It encourages us to seek comfort and guidance in the stillness, to let go of our worries and anxieties, and to have faith that everything will work out in the end.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow down, come close and listen
Take a break, come closer and pay attention to what I have to say
Its been a long time since we've gotten together like this
It's been a while since we've had a deep conversation like this
And I really miss you.
I've been waiting for you to come to me with your troubles
I told you could talk to me
I want you to know that I'm here for you whenever you need me
But it's easier for you, I see.
But it seems like it's easier for you to handle things on your own
For you to rush, and get in a hurry
You tend to rush and hurry even when you don't need to
To be anxious and to worry
You often become anxious and worried about things unnecessarily
Instead of coming to me and remaining in my safety
You should come to me and stay in my comfort and protection
You'd rather do all yourself
You prefer to handle everything on your own
But you know you need my help.
But deep down, you know that you need me and my assistance
Be still and know
Take a moment to be still and recognize
Just be still and know
Just be still and understand
I will never leave you side
I will always be by your side no matter what
I will never make you cry
I will not cause you to feel sorrow or pain
You've got to know I already know
You need to understand that I am fully aware
The plans I have to make you thrive
The plans I have are for your success and well-being
give you hope and Peace of mind
Provide you with hope and calmness
You must be still
You need to take a moment of quietness and stillness
Your best in the my hands
Your success lies in my hands
Your success is in my plan
Your accomplishments are part of my design
With tenderness I speak to you
I talk to you with affection and care
in restfulness I keep you.
I maintain your peace of mind and tranquility
I wash your fears away so doubt can never stay,
I dispel your fears so that doubt is never present
when I stand strong in you
When I'm present and providing love and care
I give you power to renew but,
I provide you with the ability to rejuvenate
you never take the time out sit in silence and to find out,
You never take a moment to be still and truly understand
I've always been right here
I have always been here for you
waiting on you to come near me.
Waiting for you to come to me in your time of need
So hold, hold on to my hand
Take hold of my hand
and rest in my arms and hear
Relax in my embrace and listen
hear the still small voice saying you can make it
Listen to the calm voice telling you that you can succeed
I've never let you down
I have never betrayed or failed you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: YOLANDA YVETTE ADAMS, DONALD RAY ATKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lee McMullan
This song got me through the darkest yet most blessed time in my life. Glory to God. Be still = Led God Guid us
Joyfulsingingbird Scott
Thank you once again Sister Yolanda Adams in your anointing I'm so blessed to hear your music. I sing her songs always and Bless God for His son Jesus and The Angels who watch over us. Bless God's children I love you all. Praise God through everything He went to make a place for us pray to see you there. Amen
Gloria Pickens
I just love this song.. I always say that my favorite scripture is Be still and know that I am God
Evelyn Harris
As I am praying & fasting before Our Heavenly Father this song is the voice of God encouraging me to be still & know that he is ALWAYS with me...love you Heavenly Daddy....
Mary Ogbuagu
4
Elisia Young
Have you ever been going through a season and God speaks to you right at the moment your feeling so alone? When I heard this song it took my breath away because it was at the time He and I had just finished talking and He said to me... Be Still. ...As always Thank you Yolanda Adams for allowing Him to use you Again, for my confirmation. Your musical ministry is so very much appreciated. Thanks for sharing your gift. God Bless You.
Yvette Mcleary
Thank you so much Father God for blessing Ms.Yolanda Adam with this beautiful voice n with this awesome song it touches my soul and my heart and spirit this is the first time that I've ever heard this song and now that how I'm going to a difficult situation of a breakup with my boyfriend God you sure know how to bring comfort to a broken heart thank you for always being there at my side father God thank you I will forever praise you give you glory and honor and be thankful for where you brought me and where you going to bring me out of thank you Jesus hallelujah hallelujah to God be the glory thank you Yolanda Adams I love you God bless you. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌🥰🥰🥰😔😔😘❤️
NaTrice Glover
No thank you.
Enrique Sepulveda
My favorite friend female 🐑 singer Yolanda Adams 💞
Rachel Stornes
I love this song, it speaks to me, I am so blessed, Amen praise Jesus!!!❤❤❤❤