Tamela Mann

Tamela Mann is a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and actress whose career spans more than three decades in the music and entertainment industries. Mann began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family, serving as a primary vocalist on several tracks, including "Now Behold the Lamb" and "Lean on Me," which also featured Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, R. Kelly, and Bono.

Mann launched her solo career with the albums "Gotta Keep Movin'" and "The Master Plan" before achieving a breakthrough with her third studio album, "Best Days." "Best Days" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA. Its lead single, "Take Me to the King," earned a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance. The album was recognized by Billboard as Album of the Decade in the Gospel category. Mann followed with her fourth studio album, "One Way," which also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart and included the single "God Provides," earning her the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song. Mann 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 at No. 1. Her album "Live Breathe Fight" further highlights her abilities as a gospel vocalist and songwriter. With her single "Working for Me" earning the top spot, Mann set a new record for the most No. 1 gospel singles in Billboard history, with "Deserve to Win" solidifying that record at 12 No. 1 hits.

In addition to her music career, Mann has established herself as an actress. She was discovered by Tyler Perry and debuted in the stage play "I Can Do Bad All By Myself." Mann went on to appear in Perry's 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 also appeared in the musical film "Sparkle," alongside Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks. Mann returned to her role as Cora Simmons in the BET sitcom "Tyler Perry's Assisted Living," appeared in "A Madea Homecoming" on Netflix, and was cast in "The Color Purple," a film adaptation of the stage musical produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg.

Mann's accolades include a Grammy Award, a BET Award, a Billboard Music Award, and multiple NAACP Image Awards and Stellar Gospel Music Awards. She received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award from the Stellar Awards, recognizing her career in gospel music. Mann was also inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. Outside of entertainment, Mann became a WW International weight loss ambassador and, after undergoing double knee surgery, lost 100 pounds—a personal journey she has shared as a testament to resilience and faith. Mann continues to be recognized for her contributions to gospel music, acting, and her commitment to uplifting others.