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.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Yolanda Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The lyrics to Yolanda Adams's song, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," paint a vivid picture of a still and tranquil city in which the birth of Christ takes place. The first verse describes Bethlehem as being quiet and peaceful, with only the stars providing light to help guide the way. Within this stillness, however, is an everlasting light that shines through the darkness - a light that is said to bring hope and comfort to all who witness it. It's clear that Bethlehem is not just any ordinary city, but a place of great significance and importance for Christians around the world.
The second verse goes on to describe the events surrounding the birth of Christ. The angels are said to be keeping watch over the sleeping mortals, while the morning stars come together to announce the arrival of this holy child. It's a moment of great awe and wonder, as those present are struck by the majesty and glory of what they are witnessing. The ultimate message of the song, though, is one of peace and love. The birth of Christ is seen as a moment that brings hope to all people, and the song encourages us to reflect on this profound message of faith and goodwill.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The town of Bethlehem is quiet and peaceful, and it seems as if time has stood still.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars are shining brightly above the town while the people in Bethlehem are sleeping soundly and without worries.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Although Bethlehem might seem dark and gloomy, there is a shining light that will never fade.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Bethlehem symbolizes both hope and fear of future, as it is the birthplace of the king of kings.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Jesus, the savior of the world, was born to Mary, and has united all of heaven and earth.
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
While people are sleeping, the angels are watching over them with love and amazement.
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The stars celebrate the holy birth of Jesus Christ in the town of Bethlehem.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
The people praise God for sending Jesus Christ, and the birth of the savior brings peace to humanity.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The town of Bethlehem remains silent and peaceful as it welcomes the new savior of the world.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars above Bethlehem shine quietly as they witness the birth of the savior.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Even though the streets might seem dark and gloomy, there is an eternal light that shines brighter than anything.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the expectations of the past and the future, both good and bad, come together in the town of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus's birth.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind