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.
In The Midst Of It All
Yolanda Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through temptations on every hand
Though Satan's tried to stop me
And to place my feet on sinking sand
Through the pain and all of my sorrows
Through the tears and all my fears
The Lord was there to keep me
For He's kept me in the midst of it all
Not because I've been so faithful
Not because I've always obeyed
No it's not because I trusted Him
To be with me all of the way
But it's because He loves me so dearly
He was there to answer my calls
He was there always to protect me
For He's kept me in the midst of it all
I've come through many hard trials
Through temptations on every hand
Though Satan's tried to stop me
And to place my feet on sinking sand
But Jesus loves me dearly
He was there to answer my calls
He was there always to protect me
For He's kept me in the midst of it all
For He's kept me in the midst of it all
No He's never left me
And He's never let me fall
Oh yes He will protect you
For He's kept me in the midst of it all
For He's kept me in the midst of it all
Yes He's kept me
Yes Jesus kept me
Yes Jesus kept me
Jesus kept me
Jesus kept me
Jesus kept me
In the midst of it all yea yes
In the midst of it all yea yes
Yes He did
Yes He did
Yes He did
Jesus did
Jesus did
Yes
Yes
Yes
Jesus did
Jesus did
Yes He did
Yes He did
Yes He did
Jesus did
Jesus did
The song "In The Midst of It All" by Yolanda Adams is an expression of gratitude for God's love and protection through difficult times. The lyrics speak of the trials, temptations, pain, and fears the singer has faced, and how God has been a constant presence, answering her calls and protecting her. The singer acknowledges that it is not because of her own faithfulness or obedience that God has kept her, but rather because of His love for her.
The repetition of the line "For He's kept me in the midst of it all" emphasizes the central message of the song, that God is faithful and will always be there to protect and guide His children through any circumstances. The use of metaphors such as "sinking sand" and "hard trials" underscores the challenges the singer has faced, but the overall tone of the song remains one of hope and gratitude.
Overall, "In The Midst of It All" is a powerful affirmation of faith and a testimony to the strength and love of God. It is a reminder that no matter what difficulties we may encounter in life, we are never alone and can always turn to God for guidance and support.
Line by Line Meaning
I've come through many hard trials
I've endured and survived many difficult situations and challenges
Through temptations on every hand
Despite facing temptation at every turn
Though Satan's tried to stop me
Even when Satan has tried to prevent me from succeeding
And to place my feet on sinking sand
And tried to make me stumble and fall on an unstable foundation
Through the pain and all of my sorrows
Throughout my experiences of hurt and sadness
Through the tears and all my fears
Even during times of weeping and anxiety
The Lord was there to keep me
God provided protection and guidance for me
For He's kept me in the midst of it all
God has helped me persevere through it all
Not because I've been so faithful
Not because I haven't made mistakes or been perfect in my faith
Not because I've always obeyed
Not because I've always followed God's commandments perfectly
No it's not because I trusted Him
Not solely because I had complete faith in Him at all times
To be with me all of the way
To be present with me throughout my entire journey
But it's because He loves me so dearly
Rather, it is because God has a deep affection for me
He was there to answer my calls
God was there to respond whenever I needed Him
He was there always to protect me
God provided constant protection for me
No He's never left me
God has never abandoned or forsaken me
And He's never let me fall
God has always provided support and prevented me from collapsing
Oh yes He will protect you
God will also guard and shield you
Yes He did
Undeniably, God has fulfilled His promises and aided me
Jesus did
Through the saving grace of Jesus Christ
Lyrics © BONDED MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: KEVIN BOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind