Yasmin Evans, professionally recognized and renowned as Yazz, is a British pop singer-songwriter, born on May 19th, 1960, in the heart of Shepherd's Bush, a vibrant and eclectic district within the iconic city of London.
Her paternal lineage can be traced back to Jamaica, while her maternal heritage is deeply rooted in British culture, making her a true embodiment of the country's multicultural fabric.
Throughout her formative years, Yazz attended the esteemed Holland Park School, where she showcased exceptional athletic prowess, particularly in the 400-meter sprint, and was also an integral member of the England under-19 volleyball team, demonstrating her remarkable versatility and dedication to various pursuits.
Noted for her striking appearance on the catwalk, Yazz embarked on a musical journey in 1983 by recording with the influential group, the Biz. This initial foray into the music scene laid the groundwork for her subsequent commercial breakthrough in 1988, when she lent her talents to Coldcut's groundbreaking hit, "Doctorin' the House". As her star continued to rise, Yazz decided to take the reins and launch a solo career with Big Life records. Her debut single, "The Only Way Is Up", reached the pinnacle of success, claiming the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart and earning the distinction of being the second-biggest-selling UK single of the year.
Yazz's subsequent single, titled "Stand Up for Your Love Rights", garnered immense popularity, ultimately reaching the prestigious position of number two on the UK Singles Chart, a remarkable achievement. Furthermore, her debut album, aptly named "Wanted", was certified double platinum in the UK, a testament to her impressive artistic success. Additionally, in 1989, Yazz released another top-10 single, "Fine Time", which added to her growing list of notable hits. However, since then, her music output has been relatively sporadic, with infrequent recordings and releases.
Notably, Yazz severed ties with Big Life records and embarked on a new artistic journey, inking a deal with Polydor Records in the early 1990s. This significant career move led to the release of an album titled "One True Woman" in 1992, although it was ultimately met with cancellation.
Undeterred, Yazz continued to make waves in the music industry, re-emerging in 1993 with a captivating performance alongside the British reggae band Aswad on their hit single "How Long". This high-profile collaboration not only revitalized her career but also catapulted her back into the Top 40.
In 1994, Yazz finally released her second studio album, "One on One", which featured a selection of tracks that had been recorded for the cancelled "One True Woman" album. This long-awaited release marked a significant milestone in Yazz's career, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to adapt and persevere in the ever-changing music landscape.
From the late 1990s, the renowned British singer-songwriter, Yazz, continued to captivate audiences with her soulful voice and eclectic musical style. One notable highlight during this period was the release of a memorable cover version of The Jackson 5's timeless classic, "Never Can Say Goodbye", which showcased her remarkable vocal range and emotional delivery.
Following her successful stint as a solo artist, Yazz went on to sign with East West Records in 1997, marking a new chapter in her illustrious career. The same year, she unveiled an album that would cement her status as a masterful interpreter of others' work, "The Natural Life". This critically acclaimed record consisted entirely of cover versions, each one meticulously arranged and performed with a deep understanding of the original material.
As Yazz embarked on a profound introspective journey, she began to reassess her professional trajectory, yearning to bid farewell to a lifestyle beset by the remnants of a failed marriage and the suffocating grip of alcohol dependency. In a quest for self-discovery and spiritual rebirth, she delved into the realm of various religious beliefs, ultimately deciding to surrender her life to the guiding light of Christianity.
Yazz, a renowned vocalist, has relocated to Spain, where she is an integral part of the vibrant community at the Calahonda Baptist Church. Despite her new geographical location, she still maintains strong ties with her British roots and frequently travels back to the United Kingdom to promote her captivating album. During these visits, she takes to the stage, mesmerizing audiences with her soulful performances, and also shares inspiring anecdotes about her deeply held faith.
