The most precious achievements I could ever have is the love and support of fans. I dearly love the people who support me and take the time to tell me how they feel about my music and ministry. Below are some of those statements:
Quotes from fans, 2012
1. DAVID FRIEDMAN (is a film and theatre composer, songwriter, author, lyricist and conductor based in New York City. He received a 1997 Backstage Bistro Award for Composer of the Year and a 1997 Johnny Mercer Award for Songwriter of the Year, and a Special Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th Annual MAC Awards. His Oratorio, King Island Christmas, won a Frederick Loewe Award and Dramatists Guild Award. Here is what David says about me:
"LOVED your show! You are well on your way to creating a character the
likes of which Bette Midler, Divine, Dolly Parton, Phyllis Diller, etc.
created. Someone who is iconic, funny, loveable, and has a story to
tell that is larger than life and yet touches everyone. If this
woman/man could make it to self-acceptance and gratitude, so can we,
WHATEVER is going on in our lives and WHOEVER we are. This loveable and
talented character whom you have created is YOU. The more you step into
it, the more you understand the IMPORTANCE and POWER of who this
woman/man is and what his/her story has to offer us, the bigger this
show will get. Oh yeah, and you sing great too! Congratulations. You
have a hit on your hands. The wig alone is worth the price of admission."
2. "Dear Rev. Yolanda,
I'm really impressed with the Old Time Gospel hour project. Basically, it's because of the spiritual aspect of the music. I truly feel that within our respective communities, we have a great number of folks who have a spiritual upbringing, outlook ,and even a world view. Yet, too often, they don't feel they can speak up and truly present that part of themselves. The GLBT spectrum is very good at preaching diversity, yet has a hard time with spirituality, especially if it has anything to do with traditional Christianity in any way. That's terribly unfortunate. We need what you're doing."
-Pamela DeGroff writer at TG FORUM
3. "You are so talented and so full of passion and positive energy. I could feel it pouring off the stage like a tidal wave! I have listened to "House of Joy" 5 times already and I still can't get enough.
You and your band are truly talented and gifted singer-songwriters! I can relate to every song you wrote on that album, and you helped me to remember that I'm not the only one who had a rough life because of who and what we are. Your husband is one of the luckiest men in the world to have someone as gifted and beautiful as you." _ Dig Space, artist
4. "I love just being around you! The energy you share with us all is such a blessing and if I could bottle that up and have everyone I know take a sip the world would profit from the taste of love! " - Jeff Rockcub, musician
5. "I've come to realize you are the living embodiment of Shiva.
You are the perfect balance of man and woman in one amazingly talented package.
I've never met anyone as unique and gifted as you and I'm honored to call you friend.
Keep up the wonderful and important work you're doing" D.
AWARDS:
GLBT HALL OF FAME- Yolanda's Hall of Fame listing
OUTVOICE the INTERNATIONAL GLBT MUSIC CHARTS - ROYO's CD HOUSE OF JOY was #1 for several months in 2010 and still in the Top 20 as of 2012.
STONEWALL SOCIETY- Yolanda's awards and listing from The StoneWall Society
FRESH FRUIT FESTIVAL Yolanda's music award from the Fresh Fruit Theater Festival
The BEAR MUSIC HALL OF FAME and BEST VOCALIST award
BEAR MUSIC HALL OF FAME
OUTMEDIA "History of Yolanda" article
Yolanda's song Right To Surrender in Artists with Aids music archive (scroll down)
MP3 of Yolanda's song MARRY ME from www.queermusicheritage.us
This song is from the album Marry Me recorded and distributed by Figjam Records.
Please also visit JD Doyle's amazing website QUEER MUSIC HERITAGE
Influences:
You cannot restore someone to their Connection with Source by belittling them or by punishing them, or by being disgusted with them. It is only through love that you can return anyone to love. And if you do not have a way of returning them to love, they will always be a problem to your society. -Abraham/Hicks ..
