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.
The Christmas Song
Yolanda Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!
The Christmas Song by Yolanda Adams is a beautiful reminder of everything that makes Christmas special. The lyrics describe a cozy and joyful wintertime scene, with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, carols being sung, and people dressed up in warm clothing. The idea of Jack Frost nipping at one's nose is a nod to the chilly weather outside, and the mention of Eskimo attire adds to the imagery of a winter wonderland.
The lyrics also reference the excitement that comes with Christmas, particularly for children. The anticipation of Santa's arrival, the abundance of food and decorations, and the joy that comes from being surrounded by loved ones all contribute to the special feeling that only Christmas can bring. The final line of the song is a simple yet powerful message of goodwill: "Merry Christmas to you", a sentiment meant to be shared with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Overall, The Christmas Song is a beautiful and timeless reminder of what makes the holiday season so magical.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The imagery of chestnuts roasting on a fire paints a picture of warmth and coziness, key themes during the Christmas season.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The reference to Jack Frost evokes a sense of the coldness that is often associated with winter and the holidays.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The mention of Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir highlights the importance of music in the celebrations of Christmas.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
The idea of people dressing up like Eskimos adds to the festive atmosphere and sense of community that is often a part of Christmas gatherings.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Turkey and mistletoe are both traditional symbols of the holiday season and are widely recognized as such.
Help to make the season bright
Both turkey and mistletoe have bright and vibrant colors that add to the festive feeling of the season.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The joy and excitement that children experience during the holidays is captured in this line.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The anticipation of Christmas morning and the presents that await can cause children to be too excited to sleep.
They know that Santa's on his way
The belief in Santa Claus is a long-standing tradition during the holidays and adds to the magic of the season.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
The idea of Santa arriving with toys and goodies for children is a hallmark of the Christmas narrative and a source of excitement for kids.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children are often eager to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and his reindeer, adding to the sense of anticipation on Christmas Eve.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
The idea of reindeer flying adds to the fantastical elements of the Christmas story and the innocence and wonder of childhood.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer is acknowledging the importance of expressing good wishes during the holiday season.
To kids from one to ninety-two
The sentiment of the message is universal and extends to people of all ages.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
The singer recognizes that the message of Merry Christmas has been conveyed in many different forms over the years.
Merry Christmas to you!
The song closes with a heartfelt wish for a merry Christmas to all who are listening.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind