Tamela J. Mann

Tamela Jean Mann (née Johnson; born June 9, 1966) is a distinguished American gospel singer and actress celebrated for her profound influence in the music and film industry. Her career initiated as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family where she lent her commanding vocals on several tracks such as 'Now Behold the Lamb' and 'Lean on Me'. Mann made her solo debut with the release of her albums 'Gotta Keep Movin' (2005), and 'The Master Plan' (2009). The third album, 'Best Days' clinched No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel albums chart, and was certified Gold by the RIAA. Her prolific acting career includes her portrayal of Cora Simmons in multiple Tyler Perry productions and her role in sitcoms like 'Meet the Browns' and 'Tyler Perry's Assisted Living'. She along with her husband produced the Bounce TV sitcom 'Mann & Wife'. She possesses an impressive collection of awards including a Grammy, multiple NAACP Image Awards, and a Billboard Music Award. Mann was also inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame in 2022. In addition to music and acting, she launched the Tamela Mann Collection of clothing in 2019, catering to the curvy woman. Mann was born in Fort Worth, Texas, the youngest of 14 children in a devoutly spiritual home. She started singing in the church's adult choir at age 12 and later joined the gospel musical cast of David E. Talbert. Her musical collaborations extend to artists such as Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Blige, and Al Green, among others, marking her as a significant figure in the Gospel music industry. Mann is married to actor David Mann, and they share a close-knit family of five children and eight grandchildren.