Yolanda Adams’ debut album, Just as I Am, appeared in 1988. Though she was initially criticized in the Christian community for embracing secular music and fashion to accompany her gospel-themed music, the growth of publicly popular gospel in the mid-’90s pushed her into the spotlight. Adams toured with Kirk Franklin & the Family, and her 1996 album, Yolanda Live in Washington, was nominated for a Grammy. Songs From the Heart followed in 1998, and a year later, she returned with Mountain High Valley Low, which topped her live album by winning a Grammy. In 2000, Adams released a Christmas album, and in 2001, she released the live album, The Experience, which netted Adams a second Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. Believe, which included the hit “Never Give Up,” was released in 2001. After nearly four years without releasing an album, Adams returned in 2005 with Day By Day. The album featured the singles “Be Blessed,” “Someone Watching Over You,” “This Too Shall Pass”, and “Victory.” Adams followed that with albums What a Wonderful Time (2007) and Becoming (2011). Adams continues to be a huge draw on the road.
