#grammypro

Yolanda Adams on red carpet arrivals at the 2018 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (June 23, 2018 - Source: www.instagram.com/yolandaadams)  

              By Naomi Richard

           Gospel music powerhouse and Texas native Yolanda Adams won the recent election to become the President of the Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy. The four-time Grammy Award winner will lead the Texas Chapter forward.

         What a season she’s experiencing. In addition to her ascension as President, Adams performed during the “Grammy Salute To Music Legends" on July 14, performing and honoring Tony Agnello and Richard Factor. Adams joined Jamie Foxx, Marsha Ambrosius and Ledisi to deliver power-packed renditions of Anita Baker’s hits during the 2018 BET Awards’ tribute to Baker.

          Adams is also a part of the highly anticipated “Sisters United: It’s Our Time Tour” where she headlines alongside MC Lyte, Stephanie Mills, Avery Sunshine and Marsha Ambrosius. The tour will visit Austin’s Frank Erwin Center September 9 at 5:00 PM.

      During the recent “Celebration of Legends“ at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), Adams received the Museum’s highest recognition as a music trailblazer and industry giant along fellow industry legends Mona Scott-Young, Keb Mo, Nile Rodgers and Charlie Wilson.

                 Yolanda Adams honored during the 2014 Essence Music Awards in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo by Naomi Richard.

           It is clear that Adams is well qualified to become the President of the Texas Grammy Chapter. Her experience is vast, long-lasting, recognized and influential; and she continues to inspire others.

          The Texas Chapter of the Recording Academy is the largest that exists, encompassing the entire state of Texas as well as members in Oklahoma and Mexico. The diverse ethnic heritage of the Lone Star State has brought to music an array of rhythms, instruments and musical styles that have helped shape the industry and the world in which it thrives.

          Whatever genre you seek it can certainly be found somewhere in Texas. Legendary musicians like George Strait, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, and Pat Green have contributed their various country styles to the illustrious reputation Texas maintains within this genre. There is a lot more to this Chapter and Texas than country music, however. Artists like Adams, Beyoncé, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Brian Courtney Wilson and Bun B, who all call H-Town home, have given rise to the prevalence of rap, hip-hop, Gospel and R&B in the state. Innovators like Flaco Jimenez, Freddy Fender, and Little Joe Hernandez popularized Tejano music as the genre it is today, and blues masters like Gary Clark Jr. have reinvigorated blues tunes with an oh-so-sultry sound.

        The Texas Chapter leadership delivers unique programming and opportunities to artists and industry professionals of all trades throughout the state. Additionally, the Chapter is dedicated to enriching the music community through outreach and advocacy. We congratulate President Yolanda Adams on her prestigious post!