Yolanda Adams: Staying True, Spreading Blessings

Grammy-winning legend, entrepreneur, and actress Yolanda Adams discusses her career, her new single “Blessings,” and her album “Sunny Days.”

Key Themes:

• Staying Grounded and Relevant: Yolanda Adams emphasizes that the key to her longevity in the industry is being authentically herself and staying true to the lane God intended for her [01:06]. She highlights the importance of not trying to imitate others, citing friends like Vicky Winans and the Clark Sisters as examples of artists who thrive by embracing their individuality [01:14].
• Evolution of Music and Ministry: She explains how gospel music’s reach has expanded significantly since her “Mountain High, Valley Low” days, moving from gospel stations to mainstream shows and international audiences [02:58]. The advent of social media has further allowed artists to connect with fans by revealing their everyday lives, making them more relatable [03:27].
• The Kingdom Tour Experience: Yolanda Adams expresses her enjoyment of the Kingdom Tour with Kirk Franklin and friends, cherishing the rare opportunity for all of them to align their schedules and tour together [04:41]. She describes the experience as demanding but rewarding, particularly when hearing thousands of people sing along to her songs [05:32].
• Daughter’s Perspective: She shares that her daughter, Taylor, is now understanding the importance of their work and the values of loving people and navigating difficult situations with a positive perspective [06:46]. Yolanda Adams emphasizes choosing joy every morning [07:10].
• New Single “Blessings” and Album “Sunny Days”: Yolanda Adams discusses her single “Blessings,” co-written with Donald Lawrence and Sir the Baptist, which aims to remind people of the power and blessings within them [07:45]. She also mentions her album “Sunny Days” and working with producers like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, incorporating diverse musical styles like house music for her international fans [09:16].
• Advice for Aspiring Artists: Yolanda Adams offers advice to those starting out, emphasizing the importance of a relationship with God, staying true to oneself, and learning the history of one’s craft [12:28]. She advises patience, self-grace, learning from every moment, and finding one’s niche [13:03]. She also stresses the importance of knowing your craft thoroughly to advance gospel music’s heritage [14:36].