Yolanda Adams

Yolanda Yvette Adams, born on August 27, 1961, in Houston, Texas, is a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, actress, and radio host. She began her career as a schoolteacher before transitioning to full-time music performance. Known for her contemporary gospel style that incorporates R&B and soul influences, she has sold over 10 million albums worldwide. Adams has released several acclaimed albums, including "Mountain High...Valley Low," "Just As I Am," and "The Experience." Her catalog includes well-known songs such as "The Battle is Not Yours," "Open My Heart," "I'm Gonna Be Ready," and "The Prayer." In 2010, she also released the Christian book "Points of Power." Her career has been marked by numerous accolades. She is the winner of four Grammy Awards and four Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. She was named the No. 1 gospel artist of the decade by Billboard in 2009. Adams made history as the first gospel artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Song and the first to be awarded an American Music Award. She has also won 16 Stellar Awards. In recognition of her contributions, Adams was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame by the Gospel Music Association in 2017. In 2016, she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama for her volunteer service.