Inspired by friend and mentor Billy Holliday, she developed her skills as a jazz artist.  She replaced Annie Ross in the internationally acclaimed award-winning jazz vocal trio, Lambert Hendricks and Ross. As Lambert Hendricks and Bavan, the group recorded three albums together.

She has worked extensively in Europe and has appeared on the London stage and made several movies for British television.

She performed at Norway's Oslo Nye Theater, in a role that was specially created for her unique talents as an actress and a singer.

In the United States, Yolande has appeared in several movies and television productions and continues her acting career on stage both in New York (on Broadway and Off) and in prestigious regional theaters across the country.