Oleta Adams Biography

Oleta Angela Adams, born on May 4, 1953, is an American singer, pianist, and songwriter whose musical roots in gospel music were shaped by her upbringing as the daughter of a preacher. Her incredible talent caught the attention of Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal, members of the English band Tears for Fears, during a performance at a Kansas City hotel. This moment marked a turning point in her career, as she was invited to contribute to the band's acclaimed album *The Seeds of Love* in 1989. The duet "Woman in Chains," featuring Adams alongside Orzabal, became a significant hit, showcasing her soulful voice and establishing her presence in the music world.

In 1990, under the guidance of Roland Orzabal and producer Dave Bascombe, Oleta Adams released her debut album, *Circle of One*, through Fontana Records. This album highlighted her gospel-infused vocals, particularly through her powerful rendition of "Get Here," a song originally written and performed by Brenda Russell. "Get Here" not only became a hit but also served as a poignant theme for families impacted by the Gulf War. The success of this track helped *Circle of One* achieve platinum status, solidifying Adams's reputation as a leading artist. In 1991, she was featured on the Elton John/Bernie Taupin tribute album *Two Rooms*, where her rendition of 鈥淒on鈥檛 Let the Sun Go Down On Me鈥 reached the Top 40 in the UK.

Adams continued to build on her success with her second album, *Evolution*, released in 1993. This album included her original song "Window of Hope" and a stirring take on Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind." Her subsequent album, *Movin' On*, released in 1995, saw her exploring a more R&B-oriented sound, collaborating with producers such as Vassal Benford and Michael J. Powell. That same year, she reunited with Tears for Fears for the duet 鈥淢e and My Big Ideas鈥 featured on their album *Raoul and the Kings of Spain*.

Returning to her gospel roots, Oleta Adams released the religious album *Come Walk With Me* in 1997, followed by the R&B album *All the Love* in 2001. In a nostalgic collaboration, Adams once again joined forces with Tears for Fears in 2004 to perform "Woman in Chains" live, reconnecting with her musical origins. Her discography continued to grow with the seasonal album *Christmas Time with Oleta* in 2006 and *Let鈥檚 Stay Here*, her most recent secular release, in 2009.

Throughout her career, Adams has had the privilege of touring with renowned artists such as Phil Collins, Michael Bolton, and Luther Vandross. She has received four Grammy Award nominations, along with two Soul Train Music Award nominations, underscoring her impact in the music industry. In 2017, Oleta Adams made a significant comeback with her ninth studio album, *Third Set*, which garnered critical acclaim and marked her first release in nearly a decade.

With her rich history in music and a career defined by soul-stirring performances, Oleta Adams remains a remarkable figure in the realms of gospel and contemporary music, continuing to inspire audiences with her powerful voice and emotive songwriting.