Y.O.

My name is Yonette Odessa Hall-Williams (my stage name is Y.O.). I am a Christian singer, songwriter and recording artist. Born in Guyana, South America, I migrated to the U.S.A. with my parents and siblings when I was 14 years old.

My gift of singing was discovered and nurtured by my mother, with whom my siblings and I spent countless hours rehearsing. Ah, those were some of the most amusing times of my life as a kid! At some point in almost every rehearsal someone would get upset and the rehearsal would come to an abrupt end. I was always forgetting the correct lyrics for the songs and would substitute my own words. I guess I was displaying early evidence of the gift of song writing. From a very young age my mom had my siblings and I singing in church and at various events in our community.

I have grown much since then, and for the past several years I have been diligently working on my solo career. In the process, I have collaborated with other musicians and singers such as Sir Hall, Richie Righteous, Eddie Neblett, Dwayne Fyah, Angie Rose, C.H.R.I.S and many more.

Additionally, I regularly express my passion for music and the arts by leading Manifestation of His Praise, the dance group at my local church, and I am also a member of the praise and worship team. As if those endeavors were not time consuming enough, I still find the time to be a devoted wife to my dear husband, and mother to my four beautiful children.

As a singer/songwriter I bring a very unique musical flare to my generation. Although my roots are confidently placed in contemporary gospel, my style has been compared to several of my musical inspirations: Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams, Mandisa, Jennifer Hudson.

In 2012 I released my freshman album titled "Free," and am now overwhelmed with joy to have released my sophomore project, "The Climb", on 1.27.17.

As always, I am humbled by, and thankful for your support; and pray that my music will be a blessing to you.