One thing I love about the Grammy Awards is that there will be a nomination that will place an overdue spotlight on an extraordinary talent who has released an incredible record that has not gotten all the attention it deserves. This year that performer is Yola, a musician from Bristol, England who received four Grammy noms including Best New Artist. And while many would be quick to assume she was singing r&b or gospel, Yola has actually been nominated for Best Americana Album for her debut release, "Walk Through Fire".
Born Yolanda Quartley, her parents did not approve of her wanting to be musician, preferring their daughter to find a more practical profession. But Yola confidently persevered and went on to join a country soul band, Phantom Lamb as lead vocalist. They recorded their self-titled debut album in 2008 but the band split up not long after their follow-up, "The Pines" in 2012.
Wasting no time, Yola went to work as a solo artist and eventually released an EP, "Orphan Offering" in 2016. This recording showcase brought her plenty of buzz and to the attention of Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. Shocked that no label hadn't already signed her, he offered Yola the opportunity to record on his label, Eye Sound Records. Auerbach went on to co-write and produce "Walk Through Fire", a collection which displays Yola as a distinctive artist of American roots music with soulful songs filled with heartbreak and survival.
She has gained some big-name admirers like Elton John, Kacey Musgraves (who had Yola as an opening act for her on tour) and Brandi Carlile who made her an honorary member of the all-female, country supergroup, The Highwomen. I admit I was not aware of Yola before but I can now say I am a big fan. Here is a little taste of Yola from her Grammy-nominated album with my favorite song, "Faraway Look", a live version of the track, "It Ain't Easier" and an absolutely incredible cover of John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" which is on the deluxe edition of "Walk Through Fire":
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