Born Yolanda Quartey, the Bristol, England, native has been active in the music industry since 2003. Her solo EP wasn’t released until 2016, but she had previously been performing as a backup vocalist for artists such as The Chemical Brothers, Ginger Wildheart, Massive Attack and, most notably, Iggy Azalea. In addition, she was the lead singer of the country/soul band Phantom Limb.
After signing with Naim Audio, Phantom Limb released its self-titled debut album in 2008, but it was reissued a year later. The band released its second album, The Pines, four years later. Unfortunately for fans, it was announced in January 2013 that the band was no longer together.
By February of 2016, Yola had released her first solo EP, Orphan Offering. Just over three years later, she released her first solo LP, Walk Through Fire. The title comes from Yola both literally and metaphorically walking through fire, referencing a fire that damaged her house and an abusive situation of which she was strong enough to get out. The album received high praise from media outlets such as NPR Music and the Wall Street Journal. She was also invited to perform a handful of selections off her album on CBS This Morning’s Saturday Sessions, while also making her first appearance on American television.
Yola is also featured with Sheryl Crow on two tracks on The Highwomen’s 2019 self-titled debut album. Also in that year, she made big moves at the Newport Folk Festival, performing as an unofficial member of The Highwomen, taking over for the entirety of Dawes’ song “When You Call My Name” and even lending her vocals to Dolly Parton.
With the praise she’s acquired for Walk Through Fire, it should have come as no surprise when Yola found her name in four different 2020 Grammy categories: Best New Artist, Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song.
She also took home both the 2020 UK Americana Award for Album of the Year and Artist of the Year for the second time after previously winning it in 2017. A month or so later, it was announced by Variety that she had been cast to play the godmother of rock ‘n’ roll, aka Sister Rosetta Tharpe, in Baz Luhrmann’s untitled movie about Elvis Presley.
Yola is on track to have her name in the history books for all she’s accomplished with Walk Through Fire, and I don’t think she’s anywhere close to stopping. Now, here’s what my family had to say about it while we wait for her next album:
Mom: Unexpected! Groovy, soulful, country? Not really sure, but a nice mellow listen. I especially liked the cover of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” 7/10.
Dad: I was like, Carpenters meet gospel! She’s got talent for sure. It’s not my style, but her music seems to have roots and passion. 7.6/10.
Brother: It’s OK. Not my favorite but tolerable. Probably wouldn’t listen to it on my own, but I wouldn’t care if it was playing somewhere. 5.5/10.
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