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	(1955-07-24) July 24, 1955 (age 69) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Origin	Joliet, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Gospel, R&B, dance
Occupation(s)	Singer, actress
Labels	Perspective/A&M, Universal Records, It's Time, Child
Associated acts	Sounds of Blackness

Ann Nesby (born Lula Ann Bennett on July 24, 1955) is an American singer and actress. She is known for her powerful voice in R&B, gospel, and dance music. Ann Nesby was once the main singer for the group Sounds of Blackness. She has also written songs for famous artists like Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight. You might also know her from the 2003 movie The Fighting Temptations, where she acted alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé Knowles.

Ann Nesby has appeared on popular TV shows like American Idol and Queen Sugar. In 2000, she sang a duet with the legendary Al Green called "Put It on Paper." Ann Nesby has been nominated for a Grammy Award four times for her solo work. Her song "I Apologize" from her 2007 album This Is Love was nominated for a Grammy in 2008.

Ann Nesby's Music Journey

Ann Nesby joined the music group Sounds of Blackness in the late 1980s. This group won two Grammys, one in 1991 and another in 1993. Ann Nesby was the lead singer on many of their popular songs. These included "I Believe," "Optimistic," "I'm Going All the Way," "Soul Holiday," and "The Pressure."

In 1996, Ann Nesby released her first solo album. It was called I'm Here for You. Some of her songs also became popular in the UK. Her Witness EP reached No. 42 on the UK Singles Chart in 1996. Her Hold On EP reached No. 75 in 1997.

The famous writer and director Tyler Perry chose Ann Nesby for a main role. She starred in his stage play I Know I've Been Changed from 1998 to 2000. In 2002, Nesby released her second album, Put It on Paper. The main song from this album, also called "Put It on Paper," featured Al Green. This song earned Ann Nesby her first solo Grammy nomination in 2003. The album also had her first number one song on the dance music charts, "Lovin' Is Really My Game." This song was a new version of a hit from 1977 by the band Brainstorm.

She also appeared in the 2003 film, The Fighting Temptations. After this, Ann Nesby received three more Grammy nominations. These nominations were between 2004 and 2008.

Her most recent album is called The Lula Lee Project. It reached No. 13 on the US Billboard Top Gospel Album Chart. It also reached No. 57 on the R&B music chart. Ann Nesby's recent nominations include "Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocal." This was for her duet with Calvin Richardson, "Love Has Finally Come at Last." She was also nominated for "Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance" for her song "Sow Love."

Ann Nesby is an honorary member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority.

Ann Nesby's Albums

Ann Nesby has released many albums throughout her career. Here are some of them:

Songs Ann Nesby Contributed To

Ann Nesby has also lent her voice to songs by other artists. Here are a few examples:

Ann Nesby's Acting Roles

Ann Nesby has also acted in plays and movies.

See also

• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart