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Tamela Mann

American gospel singer and actress

Tamela Mann

Summary

American gospel singer and actress

FieldValue
nameTamela Mann
imageTamela Mann 18 (cropped).jpg
captionMann in 2017
birth_nameTamela Jean Johnson
birth_date
birth_placeFort Worth, Texas, U.S.
occupationSinger, actress
spouse
children4
module{{Infobox musical artist
embedyes
backgroundsolo_singer
instrumentVocals
genre{{flatlist* Urban contemporary gospel
labelTilly Mann Music Group
years_active1992–present
website
  • Gospel
  • Contemporary R&B 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, R Kelly 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. 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.

Mann also is known as a stage and film actress. She has worked in multiple Tyler Perry productions playing the role of Cora Simmons. She appeared in Diary of a Mad Black Woman (both the stage play and the motion picture, 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), A Madea Homecoming (2022) and Madea's Destination Wedding (2025). 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, a Billboard Music Award, an American Music Award, and a BET Award. In 2022, she was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. In 2023, she broke the record for the most No. 1 singles on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, with ten of her songs topping the chart; including "Take Me to the King", which spent 25 weeks on the top.

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.

Kirk Franklin and the Family

Mann's musical career began when she joined Kirk Franklin and the Family. 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?.

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. 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. In 2019, Billboard announced that Best Days was named the Gospel Album of the Decade.

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".

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

On August 7, 2020, Mann released the single "Touch from You" from her upcoming album. The single spent five weeks on the top and was her seventh number 1 on Billboard's Gospel Airplay chart.

Clothing

Aside from her musical and acting pursuits, Mann launched a new line of clothing, the Tamela Mann Collection, in 2019. 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.

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.

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. 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 8 grandchildren.

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. 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.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
2001Kingdom ComeLady
2005Diary of a Mad Black WomanCora Simmons
2008Meet the BrownsCora Simmons
2009Madea Goes to JailCora Simmons
2011Madea's Big Happy FamilyCora Simmons
2012SparkleSarah Waters
2014First ImpressionSister Renee
2018Merry Wish-MasKennieAlso producer
2021Soul SantaLizAlso executive producer
2022A Madea HomecomingCora Simmons
2023The Color PurpleFirst Lady
2025Madea's Destination WeddingCora Simmons

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1996New York Undercoveras part of the church choir with Kirk Franklin and the FamilyEpisodes: "A Time of Faith" Part 1 & 2
2007-2008Tyler Perry's House of PayneCora SimmonsRecurring role, 4 episodes
2009-2011Meet the BrownsCora Jean Simmons-BrownSeries regular, 140 episodes
2013In the MeantimeMinnieTelevision film
2015-2017Mann & WifeToni MannSeries regular, 30 episodes, also executive producer
2015-2016It's a Mann's WorldHerselfReality series, 20 episodes
2017The MannsHerselfReality series, 10 episodes
2020–presentTyler Perry's Assisted LivingCora Simmons-BrownSeries regular

Stage

  • Madea's Farewell (2019) as Cora Simmons
  • What's Done in the Dark (2007) as Cora Simmons
  • Meet the Browns (2004) as Cora Simmons
  • Madea's Class Reunion (2003) as Cora Simmons
  • Madea's Family Reunion (2002) as Cora Simmons
  • Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2001) as Myrtle Simmons
  • I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2000) as Cora Simmons

Discography

Studio albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positionsSalesCertificationsUS
US
Gospel
US
Indie
Gotta Keep MovinThe Master PlanBest DaysOne WayUs Against the World: The Love Project
(as David & Tamela Mann)OvercomerLive, Breathe, Fight
326
97210
1413
4517
338
3
18
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.

Live albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positionsSalesUS
US
Gospel
US
Indie
The Live Experience
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

TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbumUS
Bub.
Under
Hot
100
US
Gospel
US
Adult R&B
US R&B
/HH
"Speak Lord""The Master Plan""Joy Of The Lord""Step Aside""Take Me to the King""I Can Only Imagine""This Place""God Provides""Change Me""Through It All"
(featuring Timbaland)"Potter""Good Love""Ups & Downs""Touch from You""Help Me"
(featuring The Fellas)"He Did It for Me""Finished""Working for Me""Deserve to Win"
20064''Gotta Keep Movin'''
201013100The Master Plan
1496
30
201241944Best Days
2014229Best Days (Deluxe Edition)
20153
20162One Way
20171
20185
20198
1418Us Against the World: The Love Project
2221
20204Overcomer
20219
202213
19
202412Live, Breathe, Fight
7
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbumUS
Gospel
"My World Needs You"
(Kirk Franklin featuring Sarah Reeves, Tasha Cobbs & Tamela Mann)
20174Losing My Religion
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.

Soundtrack and promotional singles

TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbumUS
Gospel
"Father Can You Hear Me"
(with Tiffany Evans, Terrell Carter and Cheryl Pepsii Riley)
200521Diary of a Mad Black Woman
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.

Other charted songs

TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbumUS
Gospel
Digital
Sales
"Now Behold the Lamb""You're the Lifter"
(Ricky Dillard featuring Tamela Mann)
201313Best Days (Deluxe Version)
20204Choirmaster
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.

Awards and nominations

American Music Awards

The American Music Awards are awarded annually. Mann has received 1 award.

YearAwardNominated workResult
2022Favorite Gospel ArtistHerself

BET Awards

Main article: BET Awards

The BET Awards are awarded annually by the Black Entertainment Television network. Mann has received 1 award from 9 nominations.

YearAwardNominated workResult
2010Best Gospel ArtistHerself
2013
2014
2016
2017Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award"God Provides"
"My World Needs You" (with Kirk Franklin, Sarah Reeves, and Tasha Cobbs)
2021"Touch From You"
2023"Finished (Live)"
2025"Deserve to Win"

Dove Awards

Main article: Dove Awards

The Dove Awards are awarded annually by the Gospel Music Association. Mann has won 6 awards from 17 nominations.

YearNominated workAwardResult
2011Traditional Gospel Album of the YearThe Master Plan
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year"The Master Plan"
2013Traditional Gospel Album of the YearBest Days
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year"Take Me To the King"
Gospel Performance of the Year
Song of the Year
Artist of the YearHerself
2014Gospel Performance of the Year"I Can Only Imagine"
2015Gospel Artist of the YearHerself
Traditional Recorded Song of the Year"This Place"
2017Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year"Change Me"
Gospel Artist of the YearHerself
Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the YearOne Way
2016Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year"One Way"
2021Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year"Touch from You"
2022Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year"Help Me" (with The Fellas)
2023"Finished (Live)"
Contemporary Gospel Album of the YearOvercomer Deluxe
2025Live Breathe Fight
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year"Deserve To Win"

Grammy Awards

Main article: Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Mann has won 1 awards from 3 nominations.

YearAwardNominated workResult
2013Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance"Take Me to the King"
2017Best Gospel Performance/Song"God Provides"
2026Best Gospel AlbumLive Breath Fight

NAACP Image Awards

Main article: NAACP Image Awards

The NAACP Image Awards are awarded annually by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Mann has won 9 awards from 14 nominations.

YearAwardNominated workResult
2011Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary)The Master Plan
2013Best Days
Outstanding Female ArtistHerself
2014Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary)Best Days Deluxe Edition
2017One Way
Outstanding Song, Traditional"God Provides"
2018Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition SeriesThe Manns
2019Outstanding Literary Work – Debut AuthorUs Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage, and Family
2021Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song"Touch From You"
2022"Help Me" (with The Fellas)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian AlbumOvercomer
2024Outstanding Short-Form Series - Reality/NonfictionMama Mann's Kitchen
2025Outstanding Gospel/Christian AlbumLive Breathe Fight
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song"Working For Me"

Stellar Awards

The Stellar Awards are awarded annually by SAGMA. Mann has received 15 awards and 1 honorary award.

YearAwardNominated workResult
2006New Artist of the Year''Gotta Keep Movin'''
2008Contemporary Female Artist of the YearTamela Mann - The Live Experience
Female Vocalist of the Year
Producer of the Year
2011Female Vocalist of the YearThe Master Plan
Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year
2014Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the YearBest Days
Artist of the Year
CD of the Year
Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Traditional CD of the Year
Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year
Urban/Inspiration Single or Performance of the Year"Take Me To The King"
2015Special Event CD of the YearBest Days Deluxe Edition
2017Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the YearOne Way
Artist of the Year
Producer of the Year
Traditional CD of the Year
Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year
CD of the Year
Urban/Inspiration Single or Performance of the Year"God Provides"
2018James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement awardHerself
Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the YearOvercomer
Contemporary Female Artist of the Year
Album of the Year
Artist of the Year
Contemporary Album of the Year
Song of the Year"Help Me"
2024Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the YearOvercome Deluxe
Album of the Year
Contemporary Album of the Year
Contemporary Female Artist of the Year
2025Album of the YearLive Breathe Fight
Artist of the Year
Contemporary Album of the Year

Notes

References

References

  1. "Tamela Mann Biography, Songs, & Albums".
  2. "Tamela Mann".
  3. "Tamela Mann {{!}} Artist {{!}} GRAMMY.com".
  4. (2022-02-27). "NAACP Image Awards 2022: Here Are All The Winners".
  5. GMA. (2017-05-24). "Tamela Mann's 'One Way' Receives Billboard Music Award".
  6. Premier. (2014-06-30). "Tamela Mann wins 'Best Gospel' at BET Awards".
  7. Aderoju, Darlene. (2022-06-13). "Black Music Month & Juneteenth 2022: Industry Celebrations (Updating)".
  8. Asker, Jim. (2023-03-23). "Tamela Mann Notches Record 10th Gospel Airplay No. 1: 'With Your Love and Support, We Did It!".
  9. (August 5, 2021). "Gospel Superstar Tamela Mann Talks 'Overcomer' and the Blessings of Staying Independent".
  10. "Homepage".
  11. "The Leading Tamela Mann Site on the Net". tamelamann.com.
  12. "The Decade in Gospel Charts: Hezekiah Walker Deserves 'Praise' and Tamela Mann is 'Best'".
  13. (September 12, 2018). "David and Tamela Mann Drop First Collaboration Album "Us Against the World: The Love Project" November 9".
  14. "Touch from You by Tamela Mann on Apple Music".
  15. (August 7, 2021). "StackPath".
  16. (April 16, 2019). "Tamela Mann Launches Plus Size Active Apparel".
  17. (December 4, 2021). "David and Tamela Mann talk BET+ Original 'Soul Santa'".
  18. Abraham, Mya. (March 23, 2022). "Ciara, Deon Cole, Louis Gossett Jr., Tamela Mann, & More Join Cast Of 'The Color Purple' Musical Movie".
  19. (March 23, 2022). "Tamela Mann Added To The Cast of "The Color Purple" Remake".
  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".
  22. Ref: https://www.essence.com/feature/tamela-mann-weight-watchers-new-ambassador/
  23. Natale, Nicol. (November 14, 2019). "Gospel Singer Tamela Mann Lost 40 Pounds by Overhauling Her Lifestyle".
  24. (April 11, 2020). "Everything You Need to Know about Tamela Mann Weight Loss! | Star Studds".
  25. (August 2, 2021). "'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".
  26. "Tamela Mann On Her Weight Loss Journey: "I've Lost Over 50 Pounds" | Girlfriends Check In | OWN".
  27. "Tamela Mann Chart History {{!}} Billboard (Billboard 200)". [[Billboard.com]].
  28. "Tamela Mann Chart History {{!}} Billboard (Gospel Albums)". [[Billboard.com]].
  29. "Tamela Mann Chart History {{!}} Billboard (Independent Albums)". [[Billboard.com]].
  30. Mitchell, Gail. (July 20, 2013). "MUSIC HAPPENING NOW: Manning The Decks".
  31. (November 16, 2013). "Billboard 200".
  32. Arbet, DeVante. (September 25, 2014). "Lecrae's 'Anomaly' Remains #1 On Billboard".
  33. "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". [[RIAA]].
  34. "Tamela Mann Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100".
  35. "Tamela Mann Chart History: Hot Gospel Songs".
  36. "Tamela Mann Chart History: Adult R&B".
  37. "Tamela Mann Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs".
  38. "Tamela Mann Chart History: Gospel Digital Song Sales".
  39. "2022 Winners AMAs".
  40. "Past Winners".
  41. "Dove Award History".
  42. "Tamela Mann Grammy history".
  43. Malia Mendez. (November 7, 2025). "Here’s the complete list of 2026 Grammy nominees".
  44. "Stellar Award History - Gospel Flava".
  45. (August 18, 2025). "40th Annual Stellar Gospel Award Winners Revealed".
  46. (March 28, 2018). "Tamela Mann Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Las Vegas".
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