Yolandra, born in Houston, Texas, began singing at the early age of five. Under the careful tutelage of her mother, the late recording artist Carole Allen Simmons, the development of her vocal skills was astounding. Yolandra has become a powerful, anointed singer, songwriter, composer, praise & worship leader and recording artist.

At the age of 13, Yolandra joined and becamed a lead singer for the infamous Southeast Inspirational Choir of Houston. Her tenure as one of the lead singers catapulted her singing career to enormous heights and opened many doors for her. She was afforded the opportunity to sing backup for numerous gospel greats, including Richard Smallwood, Kenny Rogers, Dottie Parton, Ray Charles, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong and Douglas Miller, just to name a few.

In 2001, God blessed Yolandra to record her first solo project entitled "The Giver of Life." The project has been an enormous success. The title track, penned by Yolandra, was recently accepted by the Performance Division of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. A second track, "Awesome Wonder", also penned by Yolandra, was accepted and re-recorded by the Men's Division of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.

She has also served as Minister of Music/Choir Director at several churches in the Houston area.

"To Him be all Glory for the things He has done."