Oleta Adams

When Oleta Adams hit the Top 40 of the U.K. and U.S. pop charts as the featured vocalist behind Tears for Fears' "Woman in Chains" (1989), the singer, songwriter, and pianist was virtually unknown outside her native Yakima, Washington and adopted home of Kansas City, Kansas. Following the unexpected boost to her career, Adams established herself globally as a headliner in her own right. Circle of One (1990), the source of a Top Five pop, Grammy-nominated version of Brenda Russell's "Get Here," quickly capitalized upon on the momentum and was certified gold. This effectively cut a path for numerous tours and studio recordings throughout the subsequent decades, covering secular and gospel work characterized by Adams' resolutely stirring voice. ~ Andy Kellman