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.
Step Aside
Yolanda Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you worry
You don't have to cry
Cause He He sees what you're going through
Yes Yes he does
God is willing and He is able
This did not catch him by surprise
So just trust him
Be still and don't question it
These obstacles they were allowed
He wants to take you higher and higher
If you will hold on
God is willing and more than able
This did not catch him by surprise
So just trust him
And just step aside
Oh I know he's faithful
My God is faithful
To do what He said He'll do
Now if He said just believe it
There's nothing he can't do
You must stand on His word (stand on His word)
Put all your cares on him (give them to Him)
Cause He knows and He loves you
He did it for me that why I can say
Step step aside
God can work a miracle for you
Step aside
You got to let go
And let God
And let go and let God be God
Move yourself out of the way
Move your pride out of the way
He'll never leave you
Nor forsake you
This what I know it ain't just what I heard
So Thank You Lord for being awesome to me
You're marvelous
Praise him Praise Him
Oh step aside
Let go let go let go
He knows what you go through
He knows what you can bear
He can do what you can't do
So step so step so step aside
Thank you Lord
And you're in control
So I step aside
The lyrics of Yolanda Adams's song "Step Aside" convey a message of hope, resilience, and faith in God's ability to overcome obstacles. The song advises listeners to hold on during difficult times and trust God to help them overcome challenges, as He is willing and more than able to do so. The lyrics urge listeners to let go of their worries and pride and allow God to work in their lives, promising that if they do so, they will experience miracles.
In the first verse, the lyrics acknowledge the struggles and pain that listeners may be experiencing, but offer the assurance that God sees and understands their problems, and that He is willing and able to help. The second verse encourages listeners to be still and trust that the obstacles they face are part of God's plan to take them to a higher level. The bridge emphasizes the faithfulness of God and reminds listeners to hold on to His word and give Him their cares.
Overall, the song is a powerful reminder to trust in God and His ability to work miracles in our lives, even during our darkest moments.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold on and don't give up
Stay strong and don't lose hope.
Don't you worry
Don't be anxious.
You don't have to cry
There's no need to break down.
Cause He He sees what you're going through
God is aware of the challenges you face.
Yes Yes he does
He absolutely knows your struggles.
God is willing and He is able
God is ready and capable of helping you.
This did not catch him by surprise
God was never unaware of your conditions and struggles.
So just trust him
Have faith in God.
And just oh step aside
Allow God to take control.
Be still and don't question it
Be calm and don't doubt.
These obstacles they were allowed
Challenges you face were allowed on your way by God.
He wants to take you higher and higher
God intends to uplift you to a better place and situation.
If you will hold on
If you keep faith in God.
Oh I know he's faithful
God is undoubtedly faithful.
My God is faithful
The God I believe in is trustworthy and dependable.
To do what He said He'll do
God is true to His word.
Now if He said just believe it
If God promised something, you should simply trust Him.
There's nothing he can't do
God is capable of doing everything.
You must stand on His word (stand on His word)
You should have faith and believe in God's teachings.
Put all your cares on him (give them to Him)
Trust God with all your worries and burdens.
Cause He knows and He loves you
God loves you and understands your situation.
He did it for me that why I can say
God helped me overcome challenges, and that's why I can testify.
Step step aside
Let God take over.
God can work a miracle for you
God can do amazing things for you.
You got to let go
You need to release your hold on the situation.
And let God
And allow God to help you.
And let go and let God be God
Leave everything to God and let Him be in charge.
Move yourself out of the way
Remove yourself from the equation and let God guide you.
Move your pride out of the way
Overcome your ego and let God lead you.
He'll never leave you
God will always be with you.
Nor forsake you
God will never abandon you.
This what I know it ain't just what I heard
I personally know that God is always with us, and it's not just hearsay.
So Thank You Lord for being awesome to me
I am grateful to God for being incredible to me.
You're marvelous
You are fabulous, God.
Praise him Praise Him
Worship God, worship Him.
Let go let go let go
Release everything to God.
He knows what you go through
God is aware of your adversity.
He knows what you can bear
God knows what you can handle.
He can do what you can't do
God can do miracles beyond your capabilities.
So step so step so step aside
Allow God to handle everything; let Him be in charge.
Thank you Lord
Thank you, God.
And you're in control
And God is guiding everything.
So I step aside
I let God take control.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: WIRLIE MORRIS, WRITERS UNKNOWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Carolyn John
I can relate to this song because I was in a really depressive state... I kept praying, crying, & holding on & God delivered me from what I was going through... "Stand On His Words & Step Aside"
Rose Haywood
AMEN THE LORD IS THE BEST MEDCINE OUT HER CANT NO MEDCINE HEAL U THE TOUCH OF THE LORD HAND AMEN
I am fearless
amen
Keith B
Trust!!
Patricia
I woke up with this song, and I believe it was a message. I keep playing it. I hope I get it on my heart,!
ShayPresha👏🏽
AMEN THANK YOU JESUS GOD BLESS YOU 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️
M Wilburn
Wow. You don't find many young people today that love the Lord like that. I got saved when i was 15. I'm 18 now. Keep holding on!
M Wilburn
@Gloria Johnson “We’ll keep on keeping on baby” in my Carlton Pearson voice… 😂
T Marie
@ Gloria Johnson… “yet holding on” that’s that old school country talk right there! 😂 Yes, still holding on! God is faithful! I believe that!🙌🏾💯
Gloria Johnson
To T Marie. I'm still holding on! U yet holding on?? God bless u!