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.
Bestill
Yolanda Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It′s been a long time since we
Gotten together like this
And I really miss you
I told you, you could talk to me
But it's easy for you, I see
For you to rush and get in a hurry
Instead of coming to me
And remaining in my safety
You′d rather do it all yourself
But you know you need my help
Be still and know, just be still and know (be still)
I will never leave your side (no, no, no)
I will never make you cry
(You have got to) you've got to know
I already know (oh yeah)
The plans I have to make you thrive (I wanna see you thrive)
Give you hope and peace of mind
You must be still
Your best is in my hands
Your success is in my plan
With tenderness, I speak to you
In restfulness, I keep you
I wash the 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
Be still and know (be still and know), just be still and know
I will never leave your side
I will never make you cry
(Boy, you have got to know) you′ve got to know (know, know)
I already know (yes, I know)
The plans I have to make you thrive (gonna 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′ll never let you down," so
Be still and know, just be still and know (be still and know)
I will never leave your side (I could never leave you)
I will never make you cry (why would I leave you?)
You've got to know (you are my child and)
I already know (I already know)
The plans I have to make you thrive (I did it before the foundation of the world)
Give you hope and peace of mind
Be still and know (be still, be still), just be still and know (be still, be still)
I will never leave your side (I will never leave you)
I will never make you cry (have I ever left you?)
You′ve got to know (you've got to know)
I already know (I already know)
The plans I have to make you thrive (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Give you hope and peace of mind (you′ve got to be still)
Be still and know (I would never leave you), just be still and know (nor will I forsake you)
I will never leave your side (I've been there for you all along)
I will never make you cry (I′ve ever left you, oh no)
You've got to know (you have got to know) I already know (I already know)
The plans I have to make you-
The lyrics to Yolanda Adams's song "Bestill" convey a message of reassurance and encouragement. The song addresses a person who is feeling overwhelmed and anxious, reminding them to slow down and come closer to listen. The singer acknowledges that it has been a long time since they have had a deep connection and expresses how much they miss this person. They assure the listener that they are always there for them and that they should not rush or worry, but instead come to them for help and guidance.
The chorus urges the listener to "be still and know" that they are not alone. The singer promises to never leave their side or make them cry. They already know the plans they have to make this person thrive, giving them hope and peace of mind. The singer encourages the listener to take the time to sit in silence and find out that they have always been right there waiting for them to come near.
This song serves as a reminder to trust in a higher power and to seek solace in their presence. It emphasizes the importance of stillness, reflection, and finding peace in the midst of turmoil. The lyrics provide a comforting message of support, reminding the listener that they are loved and that their success is guided by a greater plan.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow down, come closer and listen
Take your time, approach with attentiveness and pay attention
It′s been a long time since we Gotten together like this
It has been a while since we last connected in this way
And I really miss you
I deeply long for your presence
I told you, you could talk to me
I assured you that you can open up and communicate with me
But it's easy for you, I see
But it seems effortless for you, I observe
For you to rush and get in a hurry
To hastily move forward and rush
To the anxious and to worry
To become agitated and full of concerns
Instead of coming to me
Rather than approaching me
And remaining in my safety
And staying within the security I provide
You′d rather do it all yourself
You prefer to handle everything on your own
But you know you need my help
But deep down, you are aware that you require my assistance
Be still and know, just be still and know (be still)
Quiet your mind and trust, just be calm and understand
I will never leave your side (no, no, no)
I will never abandon you, not at all
I will never make you cry
I will never cause you sadness or pain
(You have got to) you've got to know
You absolutely must understand
I already know (oh yeah)
I am already aware
The plans I have to make you thrive (I wanna see you thrive)
The strategies I have to help you flourish (I desire to witness your prospering)
Give you hope and peace of mind
Provide you with optimism and tranquility
Your best is in my hands
Your utmost potential lies under my control
Your success is in my plan
Your achievements are part of my intention
With tenderness, I speak to you
I communicate to you with gentleness and care
In restfulness, I keep you
In a state of peace, I protect and maintain you
I wash the fears away
I cleanse and eliminate the fears
So doubt can never stay
So that doubt can never linger
When I stand strong in you
When I am steadfast and powerful within you
I give you power to renew, but
I grant you the ability to regenerate, but
You never take the time out
You never allocate time for yourself
Sit in silence and to find out
To sit quietly and discover
I've always been right here
I have always been present, right by your side
Waiting on you to come near me
Anticipating your approach towards me
So hold, hold on to my hand
So grasp tightly onto my hand
And rest in my arms, and hear
And find solace in my embrace, and listen
Hear the still small voice saying, "You can make it
Perceive the soft, gentle voice affirming, "You have the ability to succeed
I′ll never let you down," so
I will never disappoint you," therefore
Be still and know, just be still and know (be still and know)
Quiet your mind, trust, just be calm and understand
I will never leave your side (I could never leave you)
I will never abandon you (I could never abandon you)
I will never make you cry (why would I leave you?)
I will never cause you sadness or pain (why would I abandon you?)
You've got to know (you are my child and)
You absolutely must understand (you are my beloved child and)
I already know (I already know)
I am already aware
The plans I have to make you thrive (gonna make you thrive)
The strategies I have to help you flourish (I will ensure your prosperity)
Give you hope and peace of mind
Provide you with optimism and tranquility
Be still and know (be still, be still), just be still and know (be still, be still)
Quiet your mind, trust, just be calm and understand
I will never leave your side (I will never leave you)
I will never abandon you (I will never abandon you)
I will never make you cry (have I ever left you?)
I will never cause you sadness or pain (have I ever abandoned you?)
You've got to know (you've got to know)
You absolutely must understand
I already know (I already know)
I am already aware
The plans I have to make you thrive (yeah, yeah, yeah)
The strategies I have to help you flourish (yes, yes, yes)
Give you hope and peace of mind (you′ve got to be still)
Provide you with optimism and tranquility (you must be calm)
Be still and know (I would never leave you), just be still and know (nor will I forsake you)
Quiet your mind, trust (I will never abandon you), just be calm and understand (I will never abandon you)
I will never leave your side (I've been there for you all along)
I will never abandon you (I have been present with you all this time)
I will never make you cry (I′ve ever left you, oh no)
I will never cause you sadness or pain (I have never abandoned you, oh no)
You've got to know (you have got to know) I already know (I already know)
You absolutely must understand (you must realize) I am already aware (I am already aware)
The plans I have to make you
The strategies I have to help you
Writer(s): Yolanda Yvette Adams, Donald Ray Atkins
Contributed by Aaron O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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!!!❤❤❤❤