Oleta Adams Biography

Born the daughter of a preacher, it’s no surprise that Oleta Adams sang and performed gospel music all her life. But it may be a bit surprising that Oleta Adams was actually discovered by founders of the English band Tears for Fears, Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal, while she was performing in a Kansas City hotel. Adams, with her soulful voice, was invited to participate on Tears for Fears’ long-awaited The Seeds of Love in 1989. Oleta Adams was featured prominently on the album, and the Oleta Adams/Roland Orzabal duet “Woman in Chains” from The Seeds of Love became her first hit.

In 1990, Tears for Fears' Roland Orzabal and Seeds of Love producer Dave Bascombe produced Oleta Adams' debut release, Circle of One under their label, Fontana Records. Oleta Adams’ gospel-tinged vocals were showcased beautifully in her soulful rendition of "Get Here," written and originally performed by Brenda Russell. “Get Here” also served as a theme song for families affected by the Gulf War, and Circle of One achieved platinum status, largely due to the popularity of the song. In 1991 Oleta Adams was featured on the Elton John/Bernie Taupin tribute album Two Rooms, singing Elton John’s 1974 hit “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me,” which became a Top 40 hit in the UK.

Oleta Adams' second album, Evolution, was released in 1993, featuring her self-penned track “Window of Hope” and a stirring version of Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind." 1995's Movin' On attempted a more R&B approach and boasted credits from producers, including Vassal Benford ( Mariah Carey , Toni Braxton), Michael J. Powell ( Anita Baker, James Ingram), and Alan Rich and Jud J. Friedman (Whitney Houston). Oleta Adams also reunited with Tears for Fears that same year, singing the duet “Me and My Big Ideas” with Roland Orzabal on the Tears for Fears release Raoul and the Kings of Spain.

The religious album Come Walk With Me followed two years later, and she returned to R&B with 2001's All the Love. Oleta Adams reunited with Tears for Fears again in 2004, performing “Woman in Chains” with them onstage. Christmas Time with Oleta was released in 2006, followed by Let’s Stay Here, Oleta Adams’ latest secular release, in 2009.

Besides Tears for Fears, Oleta Adams has toured with such notable artists as Phil Collins, Michael Bolton and Luther Vandross, and she has been nominated for four Grammy Awards. In 2017, Adams released her latest and ninth studio album, Third Set. The critically acclaimed album is her first in nearly a decade.