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.
Give Love On Christmas Day
Yolanda Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Taking time to be kind to one and all
It's that time of year when good friends are dear
And you wish you could give more
Than just presents from a store
Why don't you give love on Christmas Day?
Oh, even the man who has everything
Bring him love on Christmas Day
No greater gift is there than love
People you don't know smiling out hello
Everywhere there's an air of Christmas joy
It's that once a year when the world's sincere
And you'd like to find a way
To show the things that words can't say
Why don't you give love on Christmas Day?
The man on the street and the couple upstairs
All need to know there's someone cares
Give love on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
No greater gift is there than love
What the world needs is love
Yes, the world needs your love
Why don't you give love on Christmas Day?
Oh, every little child on Santa's knee
Has room for your love underneath his tree
Give love on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
No greater gift is there than love
What the world needs is love
Yes, the world needs your love
Give love on Christmas Day
Oh, even the man who has everything
Would be so happy if you would
Bring him love on Christmas Day
No greater gift is there than love
What the world needs is love, yes
Give love on Christmas Day
Oh, everybody needs, we need love
Why don't you give love on Christmas Day?
No greater gift is there than love
Yolanda Adams's "Give Love on Christmas Day" is a heartwarming and meaningful song about the importance of giving love during the holidays. The lyrics point out that while people are busy making lists and buying gifts, the true spirit of the season is found in expressing love and kindness to one another. The first verse highlights the importance of good friends during this time and the desire to give more than just surface-level presents. The chorus emphasizes that love is the greatest gift of all and encourages listeners to spread love to all those around them.
The second verse takes a broader perspective and highlights the positive energy that is felt in the air during the holidays. The world is sincere, people are smiling and saying hello, and there is a sense of Christmas joy everywhere. The lyrics remind listeners that words can't express everything but that love can fill in the gaps. Again, the chorus emphasizes that everyone needs love, from the man on the street to the child on Santa's knee. The song concludes with a call to action to give love on Christmas day to anyone and everyone who needs it.
In the end, "Give Love on Christmas Day" is a reminder that during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's important to pause and reflect on the true meaning of the holidays. Love is what binds us all together, and by giving love during this special time, we can make the world a better place.
Line by Line Meaning
People making lists, buying special gifts
During the holiday season, people are busy preparing their gift lists and purchasing unique presents for their loved ones.
Taking time to be kind to one and all
People actively spread joy and kindness during Christmas, treating everyone with love and respect.
It's that time of year when good friends are dear
Christmas is a time when being surrounded by good friends is invaluable and priceless.
And you wish you could give more
Than just presents from a store
While exchanging gifts is customary during Christmas, one wishes to give more than mere materialistic things and wants to express their love and affection through their actions.
Why don't you give love on Christmas Day?
The song encourages people to give more than materialistic things on Christmas and urges them to express their love and care for their loved ones through their actions.
Oh, even the man who has everything
Would be so happy if you would
Bring him love on Christmas Day
No greater gift is there than love
Even those who have everything would appreciate receiving love during Christmas, as love is the most significant and valuable gift one can ever give or receive.
People you don't know smiling out hello
During Christmas, even strangers greet each other with kindness and warm smiles, spreading happiness all around.
Everywhere there's an air of Christmas joy
Christmas fills the air with an atmosphere of happiness and joy, as people celebrate the season with their loved ones.
It's that once a year when the world's sincere
People are genuine and authentic during the holiday season, showing their true emotions and spreading love wholeheartedly.
And you'd like to find a way
To show the things that words can't say
One wants to express their love in ways other than mere words, through their actions and gestures.
The man on the street and the couple upstairs
All need to know there's someone cares
Everybody, including strangers and people we know, need to be shown they are loved and cared for during Christmas.
No greater gift is there than love
Love is the ultimate gift one can give, and nothing can compare to its power and significance.
What the world needs is love
The world needs love more than ever, and we can spread it by showing kindness and compassion towards others.
Oh, every little child on Santa's knee
Has room for your love underneath his tree
Even children, who are eager to receive gifts from Santa Claus, have space for love under their Christmas tree.
Oh, everybody needs, we need love
Everyone needs love, and we should make an effort to spread it around during the holiday season.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizell, Deke Richards, Berry Gordy, Jr., Christine Perren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind