Yolanda Adams

Yolanda Adams is a Grammy award winning singer who has merged contemporary R&B with gospel music. Though her musical style has sometimes raised eyebrows amongst the more conservative of the Christian church, her crossover appeal has helped the music to spread into the secular world.

She was originally a teacher and part-time model but eventually gave up teaching to concentrate on her music career. Her debut album was 1988's Just As I Am which reached the top of the US Gospel charts. As time progressed and her albums were released, she developed her delivery to incorporate a modern urban style while remaining true to her spiritual roots. She soon found approval from both sides of the religious debate.

More recently, in 1997 she released The Best of Me, a compilation, and, having recently signed a new recording contract with Columbia Records, she is expected to release a new studio album soon.