Yola

Biography

Yola, born Yolanda Claire Quartey on July 31, 1983, in Bristol, England, is a singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and genre-bending style. Her early life was marked by challenges, including her father leaving when she was young and her mother discouraging her from pursuing music. Despite these obstacles, Yola found solace in music during her time at grammar school. She later attended university in London but dropped out to focus on her music career, facing homelessness for a period. Her career took off as a guest vocalist for acts like Chase & Status and Sub Focus. After her mother's death in 2013, Yola launched her solo career, releasing her debut EP Orphan Offering in 2016. Her breakthrough came with the album Walk Through Fire in 2019, produced by Dan Auerbach, which earned her four Grammy nominations. Her subsequent album, Stand for Myself (2021), further solidified her reputation as a leading voice in Americana and roots music. Yola has also ventured into acting, notably playing Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis and Persephone in Hadestown on Broadway. Her musical style blends elements of country, soul, and gospel, challenging traditional genre boundaries and stereotypes. Yola's legacy is marked by her ability to inspire through her personal story and musical authenticity, making her a significant figure in contemporary roots music.

Fun Facts

• Yola was homeless for six months in her early twenties before finding stability in her music career.
• She played a pivotal role in the biopic Elvis as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, marking her acting debut.
• Yola's music often challenges stereotypes about black women in roots music, offering a fresh perspective.
• She made her Broadway debut in 2024 as Persephone in Hadestown.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dan Auerbach - Producer and collaborator on Walk Through Fire (Walk Through Fire) [2019]

Key Collaborators

• Chase & Status - Guest vocalist (Various tracks) [Early career]
• Sub Focus - Guest vocalist (Various tracks) [Early career]
• Vince Gill - Contributor on Walk Through Fire (Walk Through Fire) [2019]
• Molly Tuttle - Contributor on Walk Through Fire (Walk Through Fire) [2019]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Believe
2. Open My Heart (Mountain High Valley Low)
3. I'm Gonna Be Ready (Believe)
4. The Battle Is the Lord's (The Essential Yolanda Adams)
5. In the Midst of It All (Mountain High Valley Low)
6. The Battle Is the Lord's
7. Victory (Day by Day)
8. Be Blessed (Day by Day)
9. Thank You
10. Blessings (Sunny Days)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia