(September 24, 2024) When gospel pioneer Thomas Whitfield took note of a particular vocalist, that connection significantly changed the artist’s career course. Once Yolanda Adams transitioned as a teacher to signing with Sounds of Gospel Records in the mid-eighties, the Houston, Texas native was firmly headed towards industry superstardom, capped by a Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction in 2017.
From a go-to soloist for many choirs, a smooth jazz/gospel stylist with Ben Tankard, and beyond, Yolanda’s gut-wrenching soprano could be counted on to inspire audiences on patriotic platforms, honor music legends (Whitney Houston, Anita Baker) and lift up the name of Jesus. And Soul Tracks captured Yolanda on several First Listens in collaborations with Israel Houghton, Gloria Gaynor, and on the Kirk Franklin produced “We Family” from Kingdom Business 2.
From her 1st full-length in 13 years, Sunny Days, Yolanda returns to First Listen for the explosive remix of “Church Doors,” where a ‘can I get a witness’ session rules. Chicago based Terry Hunter (Beyonce, Mariah Carey) amps up the house music meter from the bluesy midtempo original version. Meanwhile, Yolanda sets the tone with a fiery performance backed by Donald Lawrence & Co, where one can forget about life’s hiccups for a moment to remember the blessings: “How you brought me out/How you kept my mind/How you saved my soul/The doors of the church are open.”
The accompanying video features an array of dancers showing off the happiest feet possible through tap, breaking and roller skating in this co-production by Lawrence and Sir the Baptist. And without fail, Yolanda lights up the atmosphere inviting those inside the precious church doors. Listen up!
By Peggy Oliver
