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.
Hold On
Yolanda Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've got goals there's a vision buring down in your soul
But hold on
Theres nothing that you can't do
You've gotta be driven,
Motivated too
Stir up the gift that God has placed in you
Hold on
Chorus
No matter how hard it seem
Never give always believe
Hold on, hold on to your dreams
Though your facing adversities
You can still be all you wanna be
Hold on, hold on to your dreams
Determination is the key
In this cold world, if your gonna successed
Hold On
Theres nothing that you can't do
Don't be discouraged by the trials you face
Cause your beautiful mind would be a terrible thing to waste
Hold on Hold on
The futures looking bright for you
Repeat Chorus
Bridge
Hold on, be strong (Never let noboby tell you can't make it)
Hold your head up high, keep your eyes on the prize
(Your dreams are met for you to obtain)
And Your labor is not in vain
Repeat Chorus
The lyrics to Yolanda Adams's Hold On are a testament to resilience, determination, and faith. The song encourages those who have dreams and goals to hold on to them, even when facing adversities. The opening lines of the song speak to the deep longing and passion that often fuels our dreams and goals. The vision that burns in our soul can be powerful, and it can help us overcome obstacles when we face them. But it is not enough to simply have a dream. We must be driven and motivated, and we must stir up the gifts that God has placed in us. These gifts can help us along our journey, fueling our passion and providing us with the strength we need to keep going.
The chorus of the song reminds us that no matter how hard things seem, we can never give up on our dreams. We must believe in ourselves, in our abilities, and in what we can achieve. Adversities may come our way, but they do not have to define us. We are capable of being all that we want to be, but we must hold on to our dreams to make this happen. The bridge of the song reaffirms the importance of holding on, of staying strong and believing in ourselves. Our dreams are meant for us to obtain, and our hard work and labor will not be in vain if we hold on and keep pushing forward.
Line by Line Meaning
You've Got dream and
You possess aspirations and desires to achieve success.
You've got goals there's a vision buring down in your soul
You have set targets and ambitions that are deeply rooted within you.
But hold on
However, you need to be patient and persistent in pursuing them.
Theres nothing that you can't do
You are capable of accomplishing anything with hard work and determination.
You've gotta be driven,
You have to possess the motivation and dedication to succeed.
Motivated too
You need to be self-motivated and focused on your goals.
Stir up the gift that God has placed in you
Tap into the talents and abilities that have been bestowed upon you by a higher power.
Hold on
Stay strong and persevere through challenges and obstacles.
The Futures looking bright for you
Your potential for future success is promising.
No matter how hard it seem
Regardless of the difficulties you face.
Never give always believe
Never give up, but always have faith in your abilities.
Hold on, hold on to your dreams
Stay committed to pursuing your aspirations.
Though your facing adversities
Despite the challenges and setbacks you encounter.
You can still be all you wanna be
You are still capable of achieving your desired level of success.
Determination is the key
Having the drive and persistence is essential to reaching your goals.
In this cold world, if your gonna succeed
In this challenging world, you have to work hard to be successful.
Don't be discouraged by the trials you face
Do not let setbacks and difficulties discourage you from striving towards success.
Cause your beautiful mind would be a terrible thing to waste
You have a valuable intellect that you should not squander by giving up on your dreams.
Hold on Hold on
Continue to persevere and remain committed to your aspirations.
Repeat Chorus
Sing the chorus again.
Hold on, be strong (Never let noboby tell you can't make it)
Stay strong and do not allow others to discourage you from pursuing your goals.
Hold your head up high, keep your eyes on the prize
Maintain a positive mindset and stay focused on achieving your desired level of success.
(Your dreams are met for you to obtain)
Your aspirations are meant for you to achieve.
And Your labor is not in vain
Your hard work and efforts will not go to waste and will lead to success.
Repeat Chorus
Sing the chorus again.
Contributed by Samuel V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.