Tamela Mann facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tamela Mann
Mann in 2017
Born	Tamela Jean Johnson (1966-06-09) June 9, 1966 (age 59) Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Occupation	Singer, actress
Spouse(s)	David Mann Sr. ​ (m. 1988)​
Children	4
Musical career
Genres	Urban contemporary gospel Gospel Contemporary R&B
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1992–present
Labels	Tilly Mann Music Group

Tamela Mann is a famous American singer and actress. She was born on June 9, 1966. Tamela started her career singing with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. She sang lead on popular songs like "Now Behold the Lamb" and "Lean on Me". Later, she started her own music career.

Her album Best Days became very popular. It reached the top spot on the Billboard Gospel albums chart. The song "Take Me to the King" from this album was a big hit. Her next album, One Way, also reached number one on the Gospel charts. The song "God Provides" from this album won her a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song in 2017.

Tamela Mann is also well-known for her acting. She has appeared in many movies and TV shows created by Tyler Perry. She often plays the character Cora Simmons. You might have seen her in movies like Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Meet the Browns. She also starred in the TV shows Meet the Browns and Tyler Perry's Assisted Living.

Tamela has won many awards for her work. These include NAACP Image Awards, a Billboard Music Award, and an American Music Award. In 2022, she was honored by being added to the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. She holds the record for the most number one songs on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Tamela Mann grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. She was the youngest of 14 children. Her family was very religious and followed strong Christian beliefs.

By the time she was 12, Tamela was already singing in her church's adult choir. She often sang solos, even though she was a bit shy. She became a talented singer in both her church and high school choirs.

Singing with Kirk Franklin

Tamela's music career really took off when she joined Kirk Franklin and the Family. She also had the chance to work with other famous artists. These include Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Blige, and Bono. She also performed in a gospel play called He Say... She Say... But What Does God Say?.

Tamela Mann in 2017

Her Solo Music Journey

In 2005, Tamela and her husband, David, started their own music company called Tillymann Music Group. Through this company, she released her first solo album, Gotta Keep Movin'. The song "Speak Lord" from this album was a top 5 hit on the US Gospel chart.

Her second album, The Master Plan, came out in 2009. It mixed gospel music with a modern R&B sound. This album reached number 2 on the Billboard Gospel Album Chart.

Tamela's third album, Best Days, was released in 2012. It quickly became number 1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The main song, "Take Me to the King", was a huge success. It was even nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2019, Billboard magazine called Best Days the Gospel Album of the Decade.

In 2017, Tamela won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song for her song "God Provides." She also released a duet album with her husband in 2018 called Us Against the World: The Love Project. Her album Overcomer was released in 2021 and was well-received.

Tamela's Clothing Line

Besides music and acting, Tamela Mann also has her own clothing line. She launched the Tamela Mann Collection in 2019. This brand offers comfortable and stylish athletic wear for women.

Acting Career Highlights

Tamela and David Mann in 2018

Tamela started acting in 1999 after being discovered by Tyler Perry. She first appeared in the play I Can Do Bad All By Myself in 2000. She then acted in several other Tyler Perry plays.

In 2005, Tamela was in the movie Diary of a Mad Black Woman. She played Cora Simmons, a role she continued in the 2008 film Meet The Browns. From 2009 to 2011, she starred in the TV show Meet the Browns. She also appeared in other Madea movies like Madea Goes to Jail (2009) and Madea's Big Happy Family (2011).

In 2012, Tamela acted in the musical movie Sparkle. She starred alongside famous singers Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks. From 2015 to 2017, she starred in the TV comedy series Mann & Wife. In 2020, she returned to her role as Cora Simmons in the TV show Tyler Perry's Assisted Living. She also appeared in the 2022 Netflix movie A Madea Homecoming.

Tamela's Family Life

Tamela is married to actor David Mann. He is known for playing Deacon Leroy Brown in Tyler Perry's plays. In the Madea movies and TV shows, Tamela plays Cora, who is Mr. Brown's daughter.

David and Tamela have always worked together in their careers. They renewed their wedding vows in 2013 after 25 years of marriage. They have five children together: David's daughters Porcia and Tiffany, Tamela’s niece Sonya, and their two children, David Jr. and Tia. They also have eight grandchildren.

In 2015, a reality show about their family, It's A Mann's World, started on BET. The show shared how they balance their fun family life with their Christian beliefs. In 2019, Tamela became an ambassador for WW International (formerly Weight Watchers). She had double knee surgery in 2019 and worked hard to lose 100 pounds by 2020.

Film and Television Roles

Film

Television

Stage Plays

• 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

Music Albums

Studio Albums

Live Albums

• Soundtracks
  • Diary of a Mad Black Woman
  • Meet The Browns

Popular Songs (Singles)

As a Lead Artist

As a Featured Artist

Soundtrack Songs

Awards and Honors

Tamela Mann has received many awards for her amazing talent:

• Stellar Awards:

* 2008: Won for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year – The Master Plan * 2013: Won for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year – Best Days * 2014: Won several awards including Praise and Worship CD of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, and CD of the Year.

• Grammy Awards:

* 2017: Won Best Gospel Song/Performance for "God Provides." * 2013: Nominated for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance for "Take Me to the King."

• BET Awards:

* 2014: Won Best Gospel Artist.

• American Music Awards:

* 2022: Won Favorite Gospel Artist.