The Queen of Gospel
Yolanda Adams is an American gospel singer, actress, and host of her own morning gospel show. She is one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time, having sold nearly 10 million albums worldwide. The Billboard Magazine Gospel artist believes that her music heals, encourages and inspires others to trust God. She has victoriously carried the torch for contemporary gospel and inspirational music with 13 glorious albums. She has earned numerous accolades for her shining efforts, including the first American Music Award for Contemporary Gospel Artist and four Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Her pioneering blend of modern gospel with R&B and infused with a touch of jazz continues to inspire her fans and transform the music world today. She indeed is the queen of Gospel music.
Early Career
Yolanda Adams first attracted the attention of Sound of Gospel Records as a lead singer with Houston’s Southeast Inspirational Choir affiliated with the Church of God in Christ. The choir released the single “For My Liberty” in 1982 with her as the featured vocalist. In 1986, Adams was featured on the Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Choir released Give Us Peace, with a performance entitled “My Trust Lies in You”. Later, she signed a recording contract with Sound of Gospel which yielded her first album Just As I Am in 1987.
Her Musical Breakthrough
On December 11, 2009, Billboard listed her as the top selling gospel artist of the decade from 1999 through 2009, driven by the sales of her No. 1 album Mountain High…Valley Low. Since her 1988 debut, Just As I Am , Yolanda has been wowing gospel audiences all over the world. In addition to achieving multi-platinum status, she has won five Grammy Awards, five BET Awards, six NAACP Image Awards and six Soul Train Music Awards. President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for her volunteer service. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame by the Gospel Music Association in 2017.
Her Legacy
Ms. Adams has touched audiences worldwide. After the release of What a Wonderful Time, Adams embarked on the radio career with The Yolanda Adams Morning Show which was aired in over 26 radio markets within two years. Her radio aired for ten years before ending in 2016. Her music still transcends today.
