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Tamela Mann

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Tamela Mann
Mann in 2017
Born
Tamela Jean Johnson

(1966-06-09) June 9, 1966 (age 58)[1]
Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Occupation(s)Singer, actress
Spouse
​
(m. 1988)​
Children5
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active1992–present
LabelsTilly Mann Music Group
Websitewww.tillymannmusic.com

Tamela Jean Mann (née Johnson; born June 9, 1966) is an American gospel singer and actress. She began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. Mann was a primary vocalist on several tracks while with Franklin's group, including "Now Behold the Lamb", and "Lean on Me", the latter of which also included Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, and Bono. She began her solo career by releasing the albums Gotta Keep Movin (2005), and The Master Plan (2009).

Her third studio album, Best Days reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel albums chart, and was certified Gold by the RIAA. The lead single "Take Me to the King" was a commercial success, and earned her a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.[2] Her fourth studio album One Way (2016), also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart; and spawned the single "God Provides", which won her the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song in 2017.[3]

Mann also is known as actress. She has worked in multiple Tyler Perry productions playing the role of Cora Simmons. She appeared in films Diary of a Mad Black Woman (and recorded some songs on the soundtrack including participating in the song "Father (Can You Hear Me)", Meet the Browns (2008), Madea Goes to Jail (2009), Madea's Big Happy Family (2011) and A Madea Homecoming (2022). On television, she starred in the TBS sitcom Meet the Browns from 2009 to 2011, and in 2020 began starring in the BET sitcom Tyler Perry's Assisted Living. She also starred in and produced the Bounce TV sitcom Mann & Wife (2015–17).

Along with her Grammy Award, Mann has earned many other accolades and honors, including multiple NAACP Image Awards,[4] a Billboard Music Award,[5] an American Music Award, and a BET Award.[6] In 2022, she was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.[7] In 2023, she broke the record for the most No. 1 singles on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart,[8] with ten of her songs topping the chart; including "Take Me to the King", which spent 25 weeks on the top.[9]

Early life and career

Mann was born in Fort Worth, Texas, the youngest of 14 children. She and her siblings grew up in a very spiritual home grounded in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). They were reared by their mother, "Mother Eppe," who believed in and exercised solid biblical principles.

By the age of 12, Mann was singing in the church's adult choir and was often selected to sing solos. Although she was bashful, she blossomed in the local church and high school choirs.[10]

Kirk Franklin and the Family

Mann's musical career began when she joined Kirk Franklin and the Family.[11] She has also enjoyed collaborating and performing with artists such as Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Celine Dion, Bono, R. Kelly and Fred Hammond. "Local legends" that have collaborated with Mann include" Demarcus Williams, Myron Williams, Kermit Wells, Excell Amos, Myron Butler and a host of others. She went on to join the gospel musical cast of David E. Talbert as he directed the stage play He Say... She Say... But What Does God Say?.[1]

Tamela Mann in 2017

Solo musical career

In 2005, Mann and her husband David created their own label, Tillymann Music Group, through which they have released several projects. In 2005 her solo album, Gotta Keep Movin', was released. The lead single "Speak Lord" peaked at number 4 on the US Gospel chart. In 2007 she released her first live album, The Live Experience. Mann's songs "Father Can You Hear Me" and "Take It To Jesus" can be heard in the movie and on the soundtrack album of 2005 comedy-drama film Diary of a Mad Black Woman.

In 2009 her second studio album, The Master Plan, was released, adding a contemporary R&B sound.[1] It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Gospel Album Chart, and at number 97 on the Billboard 200.

Mann's third studio album, Best Days, was released on August 14, 2012. It debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart, and number 14 on the Billboard 200. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA and the lead single "Take Me to the King" was certified platinum and had major commercial success, as well as received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.[2] In 2019, Billboard announced that Best Days was named the Gospel Album of the Decade.[12]

Mann won the Stellar Award for "Best Female Gospel Artist of the Year" in 2014 and Best Gospel Artist at the 2014 BET Awards. In 2017, she won Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song for "God Provides".[3]

In 2018, Mann released a duet album with her husband entitled, Us Against the World: The Love Project.[13]

On August 7, 2020, Mann released the single "Touch from You"[14] from her upcoming album. The single spent five weeks on the top and was her seventh number 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart.[9] Her sixth studio album called Overcomer was released in 2021; it received positive reviews from critics.[15][9]

Clothing

Aside from her musical and acting pursuits, Mann launched a new line of clothing, the Tamela Mann Collection, in 2019.[16] The brand offers a variety of athleisure and workout wear for the curvy woman.

Acting career

Tamela and David Mann in 2018

Mann began acting in 1999 when she was discovered by Tyler Perry. She debuted in the stage play I Can Do Bad All By Myself in 2000. The following year, she appeared in the comedy film Kingdom Come. She went on to act in Perrys plays Meet the Browns, Madea's Family Reunion, Madea's Class Reunion, Diary of a Mad Black Woman and What's Done in the Dark. She has appeared on television shows including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, BET Soundstage, the 1999 Grammy Awards, the Dove Awards, and the United States of America World Olympics.

In 2005, Mann appeared in the romantic comedy drama film Diary of a Mad Black Woman which was inspired by the play of the same name. She reprised her role in the 2008 film Meet The Browns, having more screen time. The following year, she began starring on TBS sitcom Meet the Browns, the series ran to 2011 and 140 episodes was produced. She also appeared in Madea Goes to Jail (2009), Madea's Big Happy Family (2011).

In 2012, Mann appeared in the musical film Sparkle, a remake of the 1976 film of the same name, alongside Whitney Houston and American Idol winner and R&B singer Jordin Sparks, making her film debut. She co-starred opposite Lisa Arrindell Anderson in the 2014 drama film First Impression and starred and produced 2018 Christmas film Merry Wish-Mas with her husband. In 2021, she starred in another holiday film, Soul Santa.[17]

From 2015 to 2017, Mann starred in the Bounce TV comedy series, Mann & Wife. The series was canceled after three seasons. In 2020, she returned to her role as Cora Simmons in the BET sitcom Tyler Perry's Assisted Living. In 2022, she appeared in A Madea Homecoming on Netflix. She later was cast in The Color Purple, a film adaptation for the screen from the 2005 stage musical of the same name.[18][19]

Personal life

Tamela is married to actor David Mann, known for his role as Deacon Leroy Brown in some of Tyler Perry's plays. In the Madea TV shows and movies, she plays Mr. Brown's daughter, Cora.[20] The two have always worked together professionally.

David and Tamela renewed their 25th wedding vows in the spring of 2013. They raised five children together: David's daughters, Porcia, Tiffany and Tamela’s niece Sonya, and their two children together, David Jr and Tia. They also have eight grandchildren.[21]

In January 2015, a reality show about their family, It's A Mann's World, premiered on BET. David and Tamela are devout Christians, and in this program are able to show how they have a fun-loving, balanced family, centered in godly principles and coping with real-life obstacles. In 2019, Tamela joined the WW International family as a weightloss ambassador.[22] On July 23, 2019, Tamela had double knee surgery just a couple of months after starting her weight loss journey. She recovered quickly and went on to lose 100 pounds of weight by January 1, 2020.[23]

In 2019, Mann joined the Weight Watchers community as an Ambassador.[24] She lost over 40 pounds by the end of 2019, and lost more weight in 2020 and 2021.[25][26]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2001 Kingdom Come Lady
2005 Diary of a Mad Black Woman Cora Simmons
2008 Meet the Browns Cora Simmons
2009 Madea Goes to Jail Cora Simmons
2011 Madea's Big Happy Family Cora Simmons
2012 Sparkle Sarah Waters
2014 First Impression Sister Renee
2018 Merry Wish-Mas Kennie Also producer
2021 Soul Santa Liz Also executive producer
2022 A Madea Homecoming Cora Simmons
2023 The Color Purple First Lady

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1996 New York Undercover as part of the church choir with Kirk Franklin and the Family Episodes: "A Time of Faith" Part 1 & 2
2007-2008 Tyler Perry's House of Payne Cora Simmons Recurring role, 4 episodes
2009-2011 Meet the Browns Cora Jean Simmons-Brown Series regular, 140 episodes
2013 In the Meantime Minnie Television film
2015-2017 Mann & Wife Toni Mann Series regular, 30 episodes, also executive producer
2015-2016 It's a Mann's World Herself Reality series, 20 episodes
2017 The Manns Herself Reality series, 10 episodes
2020–present Tyler Perry's Assisted Living Cora Simmons-Brown Series regular

Stage

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions, sales figures and certifications
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales Certifications
US
[27] 		US
Gospel
[28] 		US
Indie
[29]
Gotta Keep Movin' — 3 26
The Master Plan
  • Released: November 3, 2009
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 97 2 10
Best Days
  • Released: August 14, 2012
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 14 1 3
One Way
  • Released: September 9, 2016
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 45 1 7
  • US: 200,000
Us Against the World: The Love Project
(as David & Tamela Mann)
  • Released November 9, 2018
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
 — 3 38
Overcomer
  • Released August 6, 2021
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
 — 3 —
Live, Breathe, Fight
  • Released August 16, 2024
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
 — TBD —
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.

Live albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions, sales figures and certifications
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
US
[27] 		US
Gospel
[28] 		US
Indie
[29]
The Live Experience
  • Released: May 8, 2007
  • Formats: DVD/CD
 — 29 —
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.
  • Soundtracks
    • Diary of a Mad Black Woman
    • Meet The Browns

Singles

As a lead artist

List of singles, as a lead artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
Bub.
[34] 		US
Gospel
[35] 		US
Adult R&B
[36] 		US R&B
/HH
[37]
"Speak Lord" 2006 — 4 — — Gotta Keep Movin'
"The Master Plan" 2010 — 13 — 100 The Master Plan
"Joy Of The Lord" — 14 — 96
"Step Aside" — 30 — —
"Take Me to the King" 2012 4 1 9 44
  • RIAA: 2× Platinum[33]
 Best Days
"I Can Only Imagine" 2014 — 2 29 — Best Days (Deluxe Edition)
"This Place" 2015 — 3 — —
"God Provides" 2016 — 2 — — One Way
"Change Me" 2017 — 1 — —
"Through It All"
(featuring Timbaland) 		2018 — 5 — —
"Potter" 2019 — 8 — —
"Good Love" — 14 18 — Us Against the World: The Love Project
"Ups & Downs" — 22 21 —
"Touch from You" 2020 — 4 — — Overcomer
"Help Me"
(featuring The Fellas) 		2021 — 9 — —
"He Did It for Me" 2022 — 13 — —
"Finished" — 19 — —
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.
List of singles, as a featured artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Gospel
[35]
"My World Needs You"
(Kirk Franklin featuring Sarah Reeves, Tasha Cobbs & Tamela Mann) 		2017 4 Losing My Religion
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.

Soundtrack and promotional singles

List of soundtrack and promotional singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Gospel
[35]
"Father Can You Hear Me"
(with Tiffany Evans, Terrell Carter and Cheryl Pepsii Riley) 		2005 21 Diary of a Mad Black Woman
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.

Other charted songs

List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Gospel
Digital
[38]
"Now Behold the Lamb" 2013 13 Best Days (Deluxe Version)
"You're the Lifter"
(Ricky Dillard featuring Tamela Mann) 		2020 4 Choirmaster
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.

Awards and nominations

  • Stellar Awards nominations:[39]
    • 2006: Gospel Album of the Year – Gotta Keep Movin'
    • 2008: Female Vocalist of the Year – The Live Experience
    • 2008: Contemporary Female Artist of The Year – The Live Experience
  • Dove Awards nominations:
    • Traditional Gospel Record Song of the Year – The Master Plan
    • Traditional Gospel Album of the Year – The Master Plan: winner
    • 2013 Traditional Gospel Album of the Year Best Days: winner
  • 2013 NAACP Image Awards nominations:
    • Gospel Album of the Year – Best Days
  • 2017 Grammy Awards nominations:
    • 2017 Best Gospel Song/Performance - God Provides: winner
  • 2013 Grammy Awards nominations:
    • 2013 Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance – "Take Me to the King"
  • 2014 Stellar Awards nominations:
    • Praise and Worship CD of the Year: winner
    • Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year: winner
    • CD of the Year: winner
    • Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year: winner
    • CD of the Year Award: winner
  • 2014 BET Awards nominations:
    • Best Gospel Artist: winner
  • 2022 American Music Awards nomination: F
  • Favorite Gospel Artist: winner

Notes

  1. ^ United States sales figure for Gotta Keep Movin', as of July, 2013.[30]
  2. ^ United States sales figure for The Master Plan, as of November, 2013.[31]
  3. ^ United States sales figure for Best Days, as of September, 2014.[32]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Tamela Mann Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
  2. ^ a b "Tamela Mann". Billboard.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  3. ^ a b https://www.grammy.com/artists/tamela-mann/4223 [bare URL]
  4. ^ "NAACP Image Awards 2022: Here Are All The Winners". HuffPost. February 27, 2022. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  5. ^ GMA (May 24, 2017). "Tamela Mann's 'One Way' Receives Billboard Music Award". The Gospel Music Association. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  6. ^ Premier (June 30, 2014). "Tamela Mann wins 'Best Gospel' at BET Awards". Premier Gospel. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  7. ^ Aderoju, Darlene (June 13, 2022). "Black Music Month & Juneteenth 2022: Industry Celebrations (Updating)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  8. ^ Asker, Jim (March 23, 2023). "Tamela Mann Notches Record 10th Gospel Airplay No. 1: 'With Your Love and Support, We Did It!". Billboard. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Price, Deborah Evans (August 5, 2021). "Gospel Superstar Tamela Mann Talks 'Overcomer' and the Blessings of Staying Independent". Billboard.
  10. ^ "Homepage". Tamelamann.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  11. ^ "The Leading Tamela Mann Site on the Net". tamelamann.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2005. Retrieved June 16, 2012.
  12. ^ "The Decade in Gospel Charts: Hezekiah Walker Deserves 'Praise' and Tamela Mann is 'Best'". Billboard.
  13. ^ "David and Tamela Mann Drop First Collaboration Album "Us Against the World: The Love Project" November 9". September 12, 2018.
  14. ^ "Touch from You by Tamela Mann on Apple Music". Retrieved August 7, 2020 – via Apple Music.
  15. ^ "StackPath". www.ccmmagazine.com. August 7, 2021.
  16. ^ "Tamela Mann Launches Plus Size Active Apparel". April 16, 2019.
  17. ^ "David and Tamela Mann talk BET+ Original 'Soul Santa'". December 4, 2021.
  18. ^ Abraham, Mya (March 23, 2022). "Ciara, Deon Cole, Louis Gossett Jr., Tamela Mann, & More Join Cast Of 'The Color Purple' Musical Movie".
  19. ^ "Tamela Mann Added To The Cast of "The Color Purple" Remake". March 23, 2022.
  20. ^ Christian, Margena. "Husband and wife, David and Tamela Mann, keep Madea on her toes in Meet the Browns." Jet Magazine. 118.2. August 27, 2007: 34.
  21. ^ "Family Matters: David & Tamela Mann Star in "It's a Mann's World" | AlwaysAList.com". Archived from the original on January 24, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  22. ^ Ref: https://www.essence.com/feature/tamela-mann-weight-watchers-new-ambassador/
  23. ^ "Everything You Need to Know about Tamela Mann Weight Loss! | Star Studds". April 11, 2020.
  24. ^ Natale, Nicol (November 14, 2019). "Gospel Singer Tamela Mann Lost 40 Pounds by Overhauling Her Lifestyle". Prevention.
  25. ^ "'I Was In A Lot of Pain': Gospel Star Tamela Mann Shares Details About Her Impressive Weight Loss Journey, Working with Tyler Perry and the Secret to Her Long-Lasting Marriage". Atlanta Black Star. August 2, 2021.
  26. ^ "Tamela Mann On Her Weight Loss Journey: "I've Lost Over 50 Pounds" | Girlfriends Check In | OWN" – via www.youtube.com.
  27. ^ a b "Tamela Mann Chart History | Billboard (Billboard 200)". Billboard.com. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  28. ^ a b "Tamela Mann Chart History | Billboard (Gospel Albums)". Billboard.com. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  29. ^ a b "Tamela Mann Chart History | Billboard (Independent Albums)". Billboard.com. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  30. ^ Mitchell, Gail (July 20, 2013). "MUSIC HAPPENING NOW: Manning The Decks" (PDF). Billboard. p. 36. Retrieved December 3, 2022 – via worldradiohistory.com.
  31. ^ "Billboard 200" (PDF). Billboard. November 16, 2013. p. 93. Retrieved December 3, 2022 – via worldradiohistory.com.
  32. ^ Arbet, DeVante (September 25, 2014). "Lecrae's 'Anomaly' Remains #1 On Billboard". The Gospel Guru. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  33. ^ a b "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". RIAA. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  34. ^ "Tamela Mann Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  35. ^ a b c "Tamela Mann Chart History: Hot Gospel Songs". Billboard. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  36. ^ "Tamela Mann Chart History: Adult R&B". Billboard. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  37. ^ "Tamela Mann Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  38. ^ "Tamela Mann Chart History: Gospel Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  39. ^ "The Official 23rd Annual Stellar Award WINNERS (2008) – brought to you by". Gospelflava.com. January 12, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2012.
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