Ann Nesby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ann Nesby
|
|
|---|---|
Nesby in 2019
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lula Ann Bennett |
| Also known as | Lula Lee |
| Born | July 24, 1955 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Origin | Joliet, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Labels |
|
| Associated acts | Sounds of Blackness |
Ann Nesby (born Lula Ann Bennett on July 24, 1955) is a talented American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is famous for her work in R&B, gospel, and dance music. Ann Nesby first became well-known as the main singer for the Grammy Award-winning group Sounds of Blackness.
After her time with the group, she started a successful solo career. She has been nominated for many Grammy Awards and is loved by critics. Ann Nesby has released eight solo albums. Her latest album, ANNiversary, came out in 2025. It features new R&B songs about love and growing up.
Besides music, Ann Nesby is also an actress. She has appeared in TV shows like Queen Sugar and Atlanta. She also performed in the national tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. In 2025, she helped make and narrated a documentary called CIRILO, A Legacy Untold. This film tells the story of civil rights leader Cirilo McSween.
Contents
Ann Nesby's Music Journey
Ann Nesby started her music career as the lead singer of the group Sounds of Blackness. She sang on many popular songs, including "I Believe" and "Optimistic." The group won Grammy Awards in 1991 and 1993 for their albums.
In 1996, Ann Nesby released her first solo album, I'm Here for You. This album was very popular and appeared on the Billboard 200 chart. It included several hit R&B and dance songs. In the same year, her song "Lovin’ Is Really My Game" became a number one hit on the Billboard Dance Club chart.
Throughout the 2000s, Ann Nesby continued to release albums. These albums mixed gospel, soul, and R&B music. Some of her albums include This Is Love (2007) and The Lula Lee Project (2009). The Lula Lee Project was very successful, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. She also received more Grammy nominations for her solo work, including a duet with Calvin Richardson.
Ann Nesby's Albums
Here are some of the albums Ann Nesby has released:
- I'm Here for You (1996)
- Love Is What We Need: The Essentials (2001)
- Put It on Paper (2002)
- Make Me Better (2003)
- In the Spirit (2006)
- This Is Love (2007)
- The Lula Lee Project (2009)
- Living My Life (2014)
- ANNiversary (2025)
Ann Nesby in Movies and TV
Ann Nesby is also known for her acting roles.
Movies
- The Fighting Temptations (2003) – She played Aunt Sally Walker.
- Let God Be the Judge (2010) – She played Angel.
- What My Husband Doesn't Know (2012) – She played Elenor.
- God of Dreams (2022) – She played Grandma Mae.
- CIRILO, A Legacy Untold (2025) – She was the narrator and an executive producer.
Television Shows
- Hap and Leonard (2018) – She played Blind Tillie in three episodes.
- Mamas Girls (2020) – She played Mama.
- Queen Sugar (2021–2022) – She played Sandy Leflore in nine episodes.
- Atlanta (2022) – She played Evelyn.
- The Ms. Pat Show (2024) – She played Loy Webb.
- Corinthia (2024) – She played Helen.
Awards and Achievements
Ann Nesby has received many awards and nominations for her music:
- She won 2 Grammy Awards with Sounds of Blackness (in 1991 and 1993).
- She has received 6 Grammy nominations as a solo artist.
- Her song "Lovin’ Is Really My Game" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club chart in 2000.
How Ann Nesby's Music Charted
Ann Nesby's albums and songs have appeared on several music charts.
Billboard 200 Chart
- I'm Here for You reached No. 157 in 1996.
- Put It on Paper reached No. 62 in 2002.
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart
- I'm Here for You reached No. 27.
- Put It on Paper reached No. 8.
- In the Spirit reached No. 72.
- This Is Love reached No. 37.
- The Lula Lee Project reached No. 57.
