Yolanda Adams Biography 

A popular artist in both gospel and R&B, Yolanda Adams has blended these two genres to great success. Although she has received notable criticism by organized Christian groups for this move, it has helped bring gospel music into the mainstream while bringing Adams considerable personal recognition and acclaim.

Yolanda Yvette Adams was born August 27, 1961 in Houston, Texas. Attending Sterling High School, Adams graduated in 1979. The oldest in her family of six siblings, Adams was exposed to a wide range of music from an early age. By the time she was a teenage, she was already performing.

Although music was always her passion, she decided to pursue a more practical career. For that reason, she graduated from college and took a job as a school teacher. With her classic beauty, however, she also modeled part-time. When her performing career took off, Adams was able to quit her day job and pursue music full-time.

Her unique voice and commercial good looks quickly earned her a record deal with Sound of Gospel Records with whom she released Just As I Am in 1987. Three years later, she signed on with Tribute Records and released the even more successful Through the Storm. She followed with Save the World and More than a Melody in 1995.

It was on this album Adams began to break out from her overtly gospel shell. She received her first crossover hit with “Gotta Have Love.” Tony Terry accompanied on vocals. Songs from the Heart received positive attention as well, especially the single “Still I Rise,” which was dedicated to Rosa Parks and inspired by a poem by prominent poet Maya Angelou.

1999, however, proved to be her true breakout year when she signed with Elektra Records and the album Mountain High…Valley Low hit the shelves. Her producers were some of the best in the business. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are associated with Janet Jackson and Boyz II Men, while James Wright is credited with Mariah Carey’s rise to fame. The album was distinctly urban while maintaining conservative lyrics and content, careful to avoid offending the fans that helped bring her to the mainstream. The single “Open My Heart” won Adams her first Grammy.

The next four years provided Adams with a much needed professional break. It was, however, a tumultuous time in her personal life. Marrying former NFL player Timothy Crawford Jr in 1997, the coupled both had a child and divorced during this four year hiatus.

Putting the drama behind her, she returned with added dedication and released the successful albums Day By Day. Branching out into other mediums, she is slated to debut her clothing line in 2007. She is also active in the radio arena, where The Yolanda Adams Morning Show has a loyal fan base. Increasing her visibility in pop culture through television, Adams also appeared on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in 2007.

Her newest album is set to be released in October of 2007. Talks of a 2008 album entitled Intimacy are also in the works.

Adams’ work in the music industry has not gone without recognition. She has won four Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards, an impressive seven NAACP Image Awards, and an equally impressive four Grammy Awards.