Gospel artist branches out in books, radio

To a new generation of fans, gospel artist Yolanda Adams may be best known as the host of the "Yolanda Adams Morning Show," broadcast locally on Praise 100.9 FM.

She also has a new book out and is a celebrity spokeswoman for Mooresville-based Lowe's, the home-improvement chain. After broadcasting from the Charlotte Convention Center on Thursday, Adams sat with Qcitymetro.com for a Q&A.

Q. Tell us about your new book.

The book is called "The Points of Power." It's about discovering joy and purpose in your life. A lot of people want to know, "How can you smile? We know what you you've gone through in your life." Well, hey, I've made it through. ... You will always make it through if you keep God first, definitely. And then if you have a game plan. The game plan is, never give up.

Q. Are we back in the (recording) studio?

No. We're promoting the book right now and the radio show. ... Hopefully, we're going to have something by September, at least a single by September.

Q. Where do you see the future of gospel music?

I think gospel music is here to stay. I don't think it's limited to the church or just the four walls of the church. I think everybody needs inspiration; we all need encouragement. There will always be things like Haiti, (the 9-11 attacks), things that move us closers to our faith.

Q. With all the projects you have going on, how do you manage your time?

I do just that: manage it. ... (Laughs) I have some great people with me. ... So, to the busy moms and busy dads out there, time management, but make sure you have great people working with you to make sure your dreams are accomplished.

Upscale Ritz booked solid

Located less than a block from Time Warner Cable Arena, the new Ritz-Carlton may be perfectly situated for CIAA fans. But with normal room rates costing close to $300 a night, did it attract huge crowds?

In keeping with the hotel's upscale image, officials there weren't saying much, only that the 146-room Ritz is booked solid throughout the tournament.

"We are very pleased with the turnout over CIAA," said Heidi Nowak, director of sales and marketing.

Nowak said hotel officials weren't sure what to expect, this being their first CIAA experience. One thing the hotel did do in anticipation of CIAA week, she said, was hurry to finish the new lobby bar. QCITYMETRO.COM

Birthdays

Singer Fats Domino, 82. Singer Mitch Ryder, 65. Singer Michael Bolton, 57. Actor Greg Germann, 52. Bandleader John McDaniel, 49. Singer Erykah Badu, 39. Olympic gold-medal swimmer Jenny Thompson, 37. Singer Corinne Bailey Rae, 31.

This day in history Feb. 26

1940: The United States Air Defense Command was created.