Yola, born Yolanda Claire Quartey in 1983, in Bristol, England, has become a prominent figure in the country-soul genre. Despite facing early discouragement from her family, who viewed music as an unrealistic career path, Yola's passion for singing never waned. Her journey to stardom was far from easy; she experienced homelessness and significant personal struggles before finding her footing in the music industry.
Yola first gained attention as the lead singer of the band Phantom Limb, where she honed her craft and developed her unique sound. In 2016, she launched her solo career with the EP "Orphan Offering," but it was her debut album, "Walk Through Fire" (2019), that truly catapulted her to fame. Produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, the album received critical acclaim and earned Yola four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. Her follow-up album, "Stand for Myself" (2021), continued her success, garnering two more Grammy nominations and solidifying her place in the music world.
Yola currently splits her time between Nashville, Tennessee, and Bristol, England. Nashville, known as the heartland of Americana, has been a significant base for her music career, especially given her deep involvement in the country-soul genre. Bristol remains important to her as it is her hometown and where her musical journey began.
Beyond her musical achievements, Yola has also made a mark in acting, portraying Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the 2022 biopic "Elvis" and making her Broadway debut in 2024 in the musical "Hadestown". Her genre-fluid style, blending soul, rock 'n' roll, country, and pop, has resonated with a wide audience, making her one of the most versatile and celebrated artists of her generation. Yola's story is one of resilience and unwavering belief in her talent, inspiring many to pursue their dreams despite the odds.