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.
I'm Gonna Be Ready
Yolanda Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whatever I do, I'll get it right
With no regret, no guilt or shame this time (no not this time)
Once I surrender, I won't dare look back
'Cause if I do, I'll get off track
Move ahead in faith
And patiently await your answer
What will it be
Sight beyond what I see
You know what's best for me
Prepare my mind, prepare my heart
For whatever comes, I'm gone' be ready
Strength to pass any test
I feel like I'm so blessed
With you in control, I can't go wrong
'Cause I always know
I'm gonna be ready
I was free to do what I wanted to
Lost everything, but I still had you
You showed me your grace
Now my life's renewed and I thank you (yes.. I thank you)
So I'll tell anyone who'll listen, I'll testify
About how good you were to me when so call freinds passed me by
The fact that you would show somebode so broke down
So much mercy...
Sight beyond what I see
You know what's best for me
Prepare my mind, prepare my heart
For whatever comes, I'm gone' be ready
Strength to pass any test
I feel like I'm so blessed
With you in control, I can't go wrong
'Cause I always know
I'm gonna be ready
So use me as you will
I'll pay the price
'Cause made the ultimate sacrafice
It's all because of you that I even have life
And I'll give my love as a tribute to how great you are...
Sight beyond what I see
You know what's best for me
Prepare my mind, prepare my heart
For whatever comes, I'm gone' be ready
Strength to pass any test
I feel like I'm so blessed
With you in control, I can't go wrong
'Cause I always know
I'm gonna be ready
I'm gonna be ready
I'm gonna be ready
I'm gonna be ready
I'm gonna be ready
I'm gone...be ready
"I'm Gonna Be Ready" is a gospel ballad sung by Yolanda Adams, and the lyrics convey a message of hope, resilience, and determination. The song begins with the singer praying every night to get things right without any guilt, as she has given up trying to look back and move ahead in faith. She prays for strength to pass any test and for preparing her mind and heart for whatever comes; she is determined to be ready. The singer reflects on how she was free to do what she wanted and had lost everything but found grace and renewal in God. She will stand testimony of how good God has been to her and will use her life as an example to others.
The lyrics of the song convey a message of surrender, faith, and resilience. The singer is asking God to prepare her mind, heart, and strength to face any challenge that comes her way. She acknowledges that sight beyond what she sees, and God knows what's best for her. She thanks God for showing her mercy when she was broken down and for giving her a new life. The song's final verse speaks of the ultimate sacrifice that God made for humanity in giving life, and the singer pledges to give her love to God as a tribute to how great he is.
Overall, the message of the song is one of hope, strength, determination, and faith in the face of adversity. It encourages listeners to surrender to God and believe that he knows what's best for them.
Line by Line Meaning
I say a prayer every night
Each night, I pray to God for guidance and inspiration.
Whatever I do, I'll get it right
I have faith in my ability to succeed and do my best in all areas of my life.
With no regret, no guilt or shame this time (no not this time)
I am determined to move past any negative feelings and focus on the present moment.
Once I surrender, I won't dare look back
I am willing to let go of the past and move forward with a new outlook on life.
'Cause if I do, I'll get off track
Reflecting on the past can be a distraction from my goals and present opportunities.
Move ahead in faith
I trust that God will guide me towards the right path in life.
And patiently await your answer
I am willing to wait for God's timing and direction in my life.
What will it be
I am eagerly anticipating what God has in store for me.
Sight beyond what I see
I trust that God has a greater vision for my life than I can see for myself.
You know what's best for me
I have faith that God's plan for my life is what's truly best for me.
Prepare my mind, prepare my heart
I am open to receiving God's guidance and ready to follow His plan.
For whatever comes, I'm gone' be ready
No matter what challenges come my way, I am prepared to face them with faith and strength.
Strength to pass any test
I have faith that God will give me the strength I need to overcome any obstacles.
I feel like I'm so blessed
I am grateful for all the blessings in my life and recognize God's goodness.
With you in control, I can't go wrong
I trust that by allowing God to guide my life, I will make the right decisions.
'Cause I always know
I am confident in God's presence and guidance in my life.
I was free to do what I wanted to
Before relying on God, I felt free to make my own choices.
Lost everything, but I still had you
Even when facing hard times, I found comfort and strength in my faith in God.
You showed me your grace
I witnessed the love and kindness of God in my life.
Now my life's renewed and I thank you (yes.. I thank you)
Through my faith, I have found a new sense of purpose and am grateful for God's grace.
So I'll tell anyone who'll listen, I'll testify
I feel compelled to share my faith and experiences with others.
About how good you were to me when so call freinds passed me by
In difficult times, God provided me with love and support when others did not.
The fact that you would show somebode so broke down
Despite my struggles, God showed His love and mercy towards me.
So much mercy...
I am grateful for God's mercy and forgiveness, even when I fall short.
So use me as you will
I am open and willing to follow God's plan for my life.
I'll pay the price
I am willing to make sacrifices in order to serve God and follow His plan.
'Cause made the ultimate sacrafice
Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross for the sake of humanity.
It's all because of you that I even have life
I recognize and am grateful for God's role in creating and sustaining my life.
And I'll give my love as a tribute to how great you are...
I want to show my love and appreciation for God's greatness and blessings in my life.
'Cause I always know
I am confident in God's presence and guidance in my life.
I'm gonna be ready
I am prepared to face any challenges and opportunities with faith and strength.
I'm gone...be ready
I am determined to remain prepared and faithful to God's plan for my life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Yolanda Adams, James Harris, James Wright, Terry Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind