Class Acts: Yolanda Adams
The gospel legend will bless the stage at UNCF 2012.
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Class Acts: Yolanda Adams - As the lead singer of Houston's Southeast Inspirational Choir, Yolanda gets the attention of Thomas Whitfield and Sound of Gospel Records. After getting signed to Sound of Gospel, she releases her first album, Just As I Am, in 1987. (Photo: Kevin Winter/ImageDirect.)
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Soldiering On... - In 1990, Yolanda catches the attention of producer Ben Tankard, who signs her to his label Tribute Records. As Tankard's goal is to open up gospel with a jazz-inspired sound, Yolanda's showcases more horn-inspired vocals. Between 1990 and 1995, she releases the albums Through the Storm, Save the World, More Than a Melody and Yolanda... Live in Washington. (Photos from left: Jason Merritt/Getty Images, PA PHOTOS /LANDOV)
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No Mountain High - Next, Yolanda gets signed to Elektra Records and releases her biggest selling disc Mountain High... Valley Low in 1999. With the help of heavyweight producers like Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and James "Big Jim" Wright, the LP goes platinum and wins Yolanda her first Grammy. (Photo: Elektra)
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Yolanda Adams Gets Live - Yolanda releases her live album, Experience, in 2001. At the 2002 Grammy Awards, she snags a trophy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. (Photo: Elektra)
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When You Believe... - Also in 2001, Yolanda releases the album Believe, which includes hits "Never Give Up" and "I'm Gonna Be Ready." The disc's sells reach gold status. (Photo: Elektra)
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A Presidential Audience - The Grammy-winning songstress is invited to the White House to perform for the "The Salute to Gospel Music" ceremony. (Photo: Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images)
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Singing With a Legend - Yolanda collaborates with singer Albertina Walker — who some consider the Queen of Gospel — for the album The Divas of Gospel in 2001. (Photo: Elektra)
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Day by Day - After a four year hiatus, Yolanda returns in 2005 with the album Day by Day, which features hit singles like "Be Blessed," "Someone Watching Over You," "This Too Shall Pass" and "Victory." (Photo: Elektra)
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A Wonderful Time.... - Adams signs with Columbia Records and, in 2007, releases her second holiday album, What a Wonderful Time. The disc produces the hit lead single "Hold On." (Photo: Elektra)
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Yolanda Takes to the Air Waves - Yolanda expands her career to include radio host, launching The Yolanda Adams Morning Show. The show, which mixes music with news, humor and inspiration, proves to be a huge success, becoming a top rated show in 26 markets in just two years. (Photo: Courtesy of Yolanda Adams Morning Show)
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Power Points - In 2010, Adams releases her book, Points of Power, which is based on one of the segments of her radio show. The tone, like her segment of the same name, is meant to inspire people by applying biblical truths to present-day realities. (Photo: FaithWords)
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Becoming...Yolanda - Yolanda releases her 11th studio album, Becoming, in 2011. In a maverick move, the disc is released (and sold) by Walmart as an exclusive deal. The single "Be Still" is debuted on the her morning show. (Photo: Elektra)
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Singing for the Ages - To honor the acting legend Cicely Tyson, Yolanda performs her signature song, "The Battle Is the Lord's," at the 2011 BET Honors ceremony.(Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images For BET)
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A Song for Whitney - At the 43rd NAACP Image Awards, Yolanda performs a soaring tribute to Whitney Houston that brings the audience to its feet and to tears. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards)