Yola, The Highwomen, Sheryl Crow

Biography

Yola, The Highwomen, and Sheryl Crow are interconnected through their collaborations in the Americana, retro soul, and folk genres, each bringing distinct backgrounds and legacies to their music. Yola (Yolanda Claire Quartey), born in Bristol, England in 1983, overcame significant adversity in her early life, including homelessness and family discouragement, to become a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter. Her debut album 'Walk Through Fire' (2019) earned four Grammy nominations, followed by 'Stand for Myself' (2021), which garnered two more. Yola's music is rooted in her Jamaican heritage and blends country, soul, and Americana, setting her apart in these genres. She has also made notable acting debuts, portraying Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrmann's 'Elvis' and starring on Broadway in 'Hadestown.'[2][4]

The Highwomen is a supergroup formed in 2019, consisting of Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby. Their project was conceived as a response to the male-dominated country supergroup The Highwaymen, aiming to amplify women's voices in country and Americana. The group’s debut album features collaborations with Yola and Sheryl Crow, notably on the song 'Highwomen,' which reflects on women's experiences throughout history. Yola’s powerful vocals and Sheryl Crow’s seasoned musicianship brought additional depth to the group’s message and sound.[1][6]

Sheryl Crow, born in Kennett, Missouri in 1962, began her career as a music teacher and jingle singer before becoming a backup vocalist for Michael Jackson, Sting, and Rod Stewart. Her breakthrough came with 'Tuesday Night Music Club' (1993), launching a career that has spanned decades and earned her nine Grammy Awards. Crow’s style fuses rock, pop, country, and folk, and she remains a respected figure in American music, known for her collaborations and advocacy. Her work with Yola and The Highwomen underscores her commitment to supporting female artists and genre-crossing musical innovation.[3][5]

Fun Facts

• Yola was homeless for six months in her 20s before launching her music career.
• Sheryl Crow started out recording commercial jingles, including one for McDonald's.
• Yola made her Broadway debut in 2024, playing Persephone in 'Hadestown.'
• The Highwomen's song 'Highwomen' is a feminist reinterpretation of The Highwaymen's classic 'Highwayman.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Yola portrayed her in 'Elvis' and cites her as a major inspiration for blending gospel, soul, and rock. (Portrayal in 'Elvis' (2022)) [2022]
• Michael Jackson - Sheryl Crow was a backup singer on his Bad World Tour, learning stagecraft and professionalism. (Bad World Tour) [1987-1988]

Key Collaborators

• Brandi Carlile - Co-founder of The Highwomen; collaborated with Yola and Sheryl Crow on 'Highwomen' and 'Hold On.' (The Highwomen album, 'Hold On' single) [2019-2020]
• Natalie Hemby - Member of The Highwomen; co-writer and performer with Yola and Sheryl Crow. (The Highwomen album, 'Hold On' single) [2019-2020]
• Amanda Shires - Member of The Highwomen; collaborated with Yola and Sheryl Crow. (The Highwomen album) [2019]
• Maren Morris - Member of The Highwomen; collaborated with Yola and Sheryl Crow. (The Highwomen album) [2019]
• Jason Isbell - Yola collaborated with Isbell on 'Hold On.' ('Hold On' single) [2020]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging Americana and country artists - Yola’s success and unique blend of genres have inspired a new generation of UK and US Americana musicians. (UK Americana Awards, festival performances) [2019-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Highwomen (The Highwomen)
2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Walk Through Fire (Deluxe Edition))
3. Starlight (Stand For Myself)
4. Amazing (Amazing)
5. Hold On (Hold On)
6. Dancing Away In Tears (Stand For Myself)
7. Stand For Myself (Stand For Myself)
8. Love All Night (Work All Day) (Walk Through Fire (Deluxe Edition))
9. I Don't Wanna Lie (Walk Through Fire (Deluxe Edition))
10. Diamond Studded Shoes (Stand For Myself)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia