On Wednesday, July 20, 2011, Suite101 had the distinct privilege to interview 4-time Grammy award-winning gospel music sensation and morning radio show hostess, Yolanda Adams, where she talks about her career, future plans and new album Becoming.
Influences
“My biggest musical influences include Tramaine Hawkins, Shirley Caesar, Nancy Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Daryl Coley and Richard Smallwood,” says Adams.
Adams Talks Gospel Music
“What I love most about gospel music is that it touches the heart, and it has the capability of changing people’s lives,” she says.
Adams Talks “Becoming”
“I love the new album Becoming. I’m very proud of it. It’s my first studio recording in five years. We got together with some friends of ours, and wrote some great songs. I hope that everyone enjoys it,” she says.
Adams continues, “the first single ‘Be Still’ is an answer to a prayer, so that one was very special. The lyrics actually speak for themselves. ‘Not Giving Up,’ is my fist pumping anthem. It gets you moving and motivated! It’s an encouraging song that really speaks back to you, about all the things that you are not going to give up on, such as life, since it is too wonderful. Just because you go through difficulties, you cannot give up after one setback. Keep on moving!”
For her fans, she notes “I think Becoming is a beautiful album. I want them to go to Wal-Mart right now and buy it.”
“You Can (Taylor's Song)”
Although she loves all of the songs on the album, especially since she wrote them, one of her personal favorites is “You Can (Taylor’s Song),” since it’s about her daughter.
“As she grows older, I’m seeing so many great things in her. I want to encourage those in her. I want her to be the best person that she can be. The title track is literally my phrase to her. I just want her to concentrate on how wonderful she is,” she acknowledges.
“Golden”
The opening track of the record is “Golden.” “It’s the second anthem, since it talks about how God has made you such a wonderful person, and there is so much greatness inside of you, and everything you touch, from the people, to your career, to your ministry. Everything turns ‘golden,’ because it’s you,” Adams remarks.
Adams Talks Grammy Awards
On winning four Grammy awards, Adams states “it’s great every single time! It gets better with every one that you receive. It means something every time you get one.”
Aretha Franklin Tribute
This year, Adams was part of the 2011 Aretha Franklin tribute that took place in the Grammy ceremony, along with Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Florence Welch and Martina McBride.
“It was absolutely phenomenal to be a part of it. I believe that Aretha is one of those icons and legends who have paved the way for so many people. She has taught us how to stay in the business for a long time, and how to stay relevant. That was amazing, since she hand-picked everybody that was singing that night!” exclaims Adams.
Adams Talks Martina McBride
“Martina’s great. I’ve known her for a while. She’s always been a sweetheart. She’s the epitome of great artistry. She’s very serious about her music, writing and her family. To me, that’s impeccable,” Adams says.
Adams Talks Jennifer Hudson
“I’ve known Jennifer Hudson since she was working with American Idol. I’m very proud of her, and of the way she has stayed strong in the midst of tragedy. She keeps making great music,” she adds.
Hardest Aspect of Adams’ Profession
“The hardest aspect of my job is the constant travel. I do not mind travelling, but being on the road away from my daughter is a little hard, especially during the school year,” she says.
Adams Shares Pre-Show Ritual
“My pre-show ritual happens every single day: I exercise, I eat right, and I drink plenty of water. I do not do a great deal of talking or singing at least two or three hours before. I don’t do a lot of vocal exercises. I just stay in a quiet place,” she reveals.
Adams Talks Balancing Work and Family
On balancing a family life with a music career, Adams states “you have to know how to respect time. Everything has to be delegated. There should be a time for everything. Be a little flexible every now and then. I have lots of great help from family and friends. Those things make life easy for me.”
Adams Shares Future Plans
“In the future, I would like to do a clothing line, jewelry line and shoe line, as well as more books, movies and music. The sky’s the limit,” she says.
“I would also like to do a duets project sometime in the future,” she adds.
Adams Talks “Points of Power”
“My first book is called Points of Power. It’s in stores right now. It talks about living a joyous life with the elements of patience, forgiveness, and the power of love. It also talks about how to deal with people on their level. Some people try to turn folks into them, but you have to accept people as they are,” she says.
Advice for Hopefuls
“Sing everywhere that you possibly can. Make sure you have a voice! A lot of people have voices for radio, commercials and animation. All of those are great, but they are not for gospel music. Set your goals, and make sure they are attainable. As you move and evolve, there will be things you can move up to. Be realistic. Sing for free sometimes, because you never know who is in the audience. Know everything that you possibly can about music. You have to know the business aspect of it which includes contracts, management, as well as distinguishing between what a fair and unfair fee is,” Adams says.
Adams Discusses Alternate Careers
“I have at least ten other alternate careers,” laughs Adams. “I would probably own a chain of schools. As an educator, I understand the importance of education and motivating young people.”
Many thanks to Yolanda Adams for granting this interview!
For more information on Yolanda Adams, please visit her official website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
Source
- Telephone Communication. Yolanda Adams. July 20, 2011.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
