Yazz: The British Queen of Soulful Dance
Yazz, born Yasmin Evans, is a British singer who rose to fame in the late 1980s as a defining voice of the UK's soul-infused dance-pop scene. Her major achievement came with the monumental success of her debut single "The Only Way Is Up," which became a cultural anthem and topped the UK Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks in 1988.
Early career
Born in 1960 in London, Yasmin Evans began her career in fashion before transitioning to music. Her initial foray into the industry involved session singing and a stint with the band The Funkapolitan, which helped her develop her powerful vocal style and stage presence ahead of her solo breakthrough.
Breakthrough
Yazz's breakthrough arrived spectacularly in 1988 with her debut single, a cover of Otis Clay's "The Only Way Is Up." Released on the Big Life record label, the track became the UK's best-selling single of that year, earning a platinum certification and propelling her debut album, "Wanted," to number two on the UK Albums Chart.
Key tracks
The Only Way Is Up — This platinum-selling number-one single defined the late-80s UK dance scene and remains her signature anthem.
Stand Up For Your Love Rights — A top five UK hit from her debut album that further cemented her status as a chart force.
Fine Time — This 1991 single showcased a more mature, soulful house sound and reached the UK Top 20.
Where Has All the Love Gone — A collaboration with the group A Man Called Adam that highlighted her versatility within the dance genre.
Following her explosive start, Yazz continued to release music throughout the early 1990s, including the albums "Wanted" (1988) and "Born to Sing" (1990). Her work with producers like Coldcut and the Jazzie B-led Soul II Soul collective placed her at the heart of the UK's vibrant club culture. While later releases did not match the colossal commercial peak of her debut, she maintained a respected presence in the industry.
Artists with a similar blend of British soul and dance-pop from the era include Lisa Stansfield, who also delivered smooth vocals over house-influenced beats. M People shared a commitment to uplifting, piano-driven house anthems with powerful female vocals. The sound of Soul II Soul is another key reference, sharing the same London roots and fusion of soul, R&B, and club rhythms.
Yazz's classic hits remain a staple on classic hits and 80s retro FM stations, as well as specialized online radio streams dedicated to dance music history. Her anthems are regularly featured in rotation, reminding listeners of a pivotal moment in UK pop culture.
You can hear the energetic soul and dance-pop of Yazz on radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover her timeless tracks and the era of music she helped define, available through our curated selection of broadcasters.
