Tamela Mann

Tamela Jean Mann was born on June 9, 1966, in Fort Worth, Texas. She began her professional singing career as a member of the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. She is also a prominent actress, known for her work in Tyler Perry productions, including the role of Cora Simmons. Mann launched her solo music career in the mid-2000s. Her studio album *Best Days* reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA. The album was also named Billboard’s “Album of the Decade” (2010-2019) in the Gospel category. Her follow-up studio album, *One Way*, also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Her catalog includes songs such as “Take Me to the King,” “Change Me,” “Now Behold the Lamb,” and “Finished.” In 2017, Mann won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song for “God Provides.” The following year, she received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. She is married to actor and comedian David Mann, with whom she frequently collaborates on music and television projects.