Tamela Mann Biography: Age, Husband, Children, Songs, Movies and Net Worth

Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by Bakare Sherifdeen

Introduction

Tamela Mann is an American gospel singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur celebrated for her powerful voice, inspiring Christian music, and memorable performances in Tyler Perry’s films and television productions. She has built a remarkable career that brings together gospel music, acting, family entertainment, and Christian faith.

Born Tamela Jean Johnson on June 9, 1966, in Fort Worth, Texas, Mann discovered her passion for singing through the church. Her musical journey took a major step forward when she joined Kirk Franklin and the Family, a gospel group that helped introduce contemporary gospel music to a wider audience during the 1990s.

Mann later established herself as a successful solo gospel artist with albums such as Best Days, One Way, and Overcomer. Her signature song, Take Me to the King, became a powerful anthem of prayer, surrender, and dependence on God. She also won a Grammy Award for God Provides, further establishing her place among the leading voices in contemporary gospel music.

Beyond singing, Mann is widely recognized for playing Cora Simmons in Tyler Perry’s stage plays, films, and television productions. Her performances in Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea Goes to Jail, Meet the Browns, and Madea’s Big Happy Family introduced her to audiences who might not otherwise have discovered her music.

Her marriage to actor and comedian David Mann has also been an important part of her public story. Together, they have built a family and collaborated on music, television, books, and entertainment projects.

With a career spanning decades, Tamela Mann has become a respected figure in gospel music and entertainment. Her story reflects talent, perseverance, faith, family, and the ability to use different creative platforms to inspire and entertain audiences.

Key Takeaways

• Tamela Mann is an American gospel singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur known for combining Christian music with a successful acting career.
• She was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 9, 1966, and developed her singing abilities through church.
• Her early music career included performing with Kirk Franklin and the Family, a group that helped popularize contemporary gospel music.
• Her acclaimed album Best Days featured the hit song Take Me to the King, one of the most recognizable recordings of her career.
• She won a Grammy Award for God Provides, her collaboration with Kirk Franklin, and has received numerous other music industry honors.
• Her acting career includes the role of Cora Simmons in several Tyler Perry productions, including Meet the Browns and Madea’s Big Happy Family.
• She married actor and comedian David Mann in 1988, and their relationship has included decades of family life and professional collaboration.
• Her work extends beyond music and acting into books, clothing, entrepreneurship, and family entertainment.
• Her album Live, Breathe, Fight continued her musical journey, while her 2026 single Hello God featuring Wyclef Jean and Kirk Franklin marked another chapter in her recording career.

At a Glance

Tamela Mann has established herself as both a leading gospel vocalist and a familiar face in American entertainment. Her music connects with listeners through themes of faith, prayer, hope, and perseverance, while her acting brings humor and warmth to family-centered stories. Her continued success reflects her versatility and commitment to using her gifts across music, film, television, and business.

Quick Facts	Details
Full Name	Tamela Jean Mann
Birth Name	Tamela Jean Johnson
Date of Birth	June 9, 1966
Age	60 years old as of October 2026
Place of Birth	Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Nationality	American
Profession	Gospel singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur
Music Genres	Gospel, contemporary gospel, contemporary R&B
Husband	David Mann
Year of Marriage	1988
Children	Four children in the family
Early Music Group	Kirk Franklin and the Family
Signature Song	Take Me to the King
Grammy-Winning Song	God Provides
Notable Albums	Best Days, One Way, Overcomer, Live, Breathe, Fight
Famous Acting Role	Cora Simmons
Notable Film	Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Entertainment Collaborator	Tyler Perry
Record Label	Tillymann Music Group

Early Life and Family Background of Tamela Mann

Tamela Jean Mann was born on June 9, 1966, in Fort Worth, Texas. She grew up in the Stop Six neighborhood, where family, church, and gospel music played important roles in her early life. She was the youngest of 14 children, and her upbringing helped shape the determination and resilience that would later become important to her career.

Mann was raised in a Christian environment and developed her musical abilities through church. Her mother was involved in church music, and the family’s faith provided an early foundation for her interest in singing.

By the age of 12, Mann was singing in the adult church choir, often performing as a soloist. These early experiences gave her opportunities to develop her vocal technique, stage confidence, and ability to communicate emotion through music.

Gospel music became more than a personal interest. It developed into a professional calling that would eventually lead her to work with prominent gospel musicians, release successful albums, and perform for audiences around the world.

Her childhood also helped establish the values that remain closely associated with her public image: faith, family, perseverance, and gratitude.

How Tamela Mann Started Her Music Career

Mann’s professional music career began to develop during the 1990s, when she became associated with Kirk Franklin and the Family. The group was known for bringing together contemporary gospel, choir traditions, hip-hop influences, and R&B-inspired arrangements.

Her vocal ability made her an important contributor to the group’s recordings and performances. She appeared on songs that helped introduce a new generation of listeners to contemporary gospel music, including Now Behold the Lamb and Lean on Me.

Working with Franklin gave Mann valuable experience in professional recording, touring, performing, and collaborating with other musicians. It also exposed her to a broader audience at a time when contemporary gospel was reaching beyond traditional church settings.

Her time with the group laid the foundation for her later success as a solo artist. It helped establish her reputation as a powerful vocalist who could communicate both the emotional depth of gospel music and the energy of contemporary performance.

Tamela Mann and Kirk Franklin and the Family

Kirk Franklin and the Family became one of the important gospel music groups of the 1990s. The group helped popularize a contemporary approach to gospel by combining traditional Christian messages with modern rhythms, choir arrangements, and influences from R&B and hip-hop.

Mann was among the vocalists associated with the group during this influential period. Her performances contributed to the expressive sound that distinguished the group’s recordings.

One of the group’s notable songs was Lean on Me, which featured a range of vocalists and helped bring contemporary gospel to a broader audience. Mann’s association with the group also placed her within a musical movement that would influence many later gospel artists.

Her experience with Franklin helped prepare her for the demands of a solo career and gave her an early foundation in the music industry. Although she later developed her own identity as a recording artist, her work with the group remains an important part of her biography.

Tamela Mann’s Solo Music Career

After establishing herself as a vocalist with Kirk Franklin and the Family, Mann pursued her own recording career. In 2005, she released her debut solo album, Gotta Keep Movin’, through Tillymann Music Group, the music company she established with her husband, David Mann.

The album introduced listeners to her individual sound and marked a new stage in her professional development. She followed it with The Live Experience in 2007 and The Master Plan in 2009.

These projects allowed Mann to develop a style that combined contemporary gospel arrangements with the expressive vocals and spiritual themes that had defined her earlier work.

Her solo career reached a major turning point in 2012 with the release of Best Days. The album achieved considerable commercial success, reaching number one on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and earning Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

The success of Best Days established Mann as one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary gospel music and created a foundation for the achievements that followed.

Tamela Mann’s Breakthrough Song: Take Me to the King

Take Me to the King is one of Tamela Mann’s most recognizable songs and a defining recording of her career. Released on her 2012 album Best Days, the song was written and produced by Kirk Franklin.

The song presents the image of a person coming before God in a moment of desperation, spiritual exhaustion, and need. Rather than relying on personal strength, the singer asks to be brought before the King, where help and comfort can be found.

Mann’s powerful delivery helped make the recording especially moving. Her interpretation communicates vulnerability, surrender, and a longing for God’s presence, allowing listeners to connect the song with their own experiences.

The song became a major gospel hit and reached audiences beyond traditional gospel radio. It also earned Mann a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.

For many listeners, Take Me to the King has become a prayer set to music. It continues to be performed in churches and worship gatherings and remains central to Mann’s musical legacy.

Tamela Mann’s Most Popular Songs

Mann has recorded numerous songs that have connected with listeners through messages of faith, hope, prayer, and spiritual perseverance.

Take Me to the King

This is Mann’s signature song. Its message of surrender and dependence on God has made it a favorite in churches, prayer gatherings, and personal worship.

God Provides

God Provides is one of Mann’s most successful recordings. Written by Kirk Franklin, the song encourages believers to trust God’s provision even when their circumstances appear difficult. Mann’s recording won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song in 2017.

Change Me

Change Me is a prayer asking God to transform the heart and character of the believer. Its focus on spiritual growth and personal surrender has made it a prominent song in Mann’s catalogue.

Best Days

The title track from her successful 2012 album encourages listeners to believe that difficult experiences do not have to determine the future. Its message centers on hope, expectation, and trust in God’s plans.

Speak Lord

This early recording reflects Mann’s desire to hear God’s direction and remain open to His guidance. It helped introduce her as a solo artist.

Touch from You

Touch from You is a worship-focused recording that expresses a desire for God’s presence and intervention. The song achieved significant success on gospel radio.

Finished

Finished is another recording associated with Mann’s contemporary gospel style and themes of spiritual confidence and perseverance.

Working for Me

Released in 2024, Working for Me expresses confidence in God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through life’s circumstances. The song helped introduce listeners to the themes explored in her later album Live, Breathe, Fight.

These songs demonstrate Mann’s ability to combine accessible melodies with Christian messages that speak to personal struggles, worship, and the importance of trusting God.

Tamela Mann’s Albums and Discography

Mann’s discography reflects her growth as a gospel artist and her ability to connect with listeners through both studio recordings and live performances.

• Gotta Keep Movin’ (2005): Her debut solo album, which introduced her individual musical identity.
• The Live Experience (2007): A live project capturing her expressive vocal performance and gospel roots.
• The Master Plan (2009): An album that expanded her sound with contemporary R&B influences.
• Best Days (2012): Her breakthrough album, featuring Take Me to the King and achieving Gold certification.
• One Way (2016): A successful gospel album featuring God Provides and other songs centered on faith and spiritual confidence.
• Overcomer (2021): An album that continued her focus on encouragement, faith, and perseverance.
• Live, Breathe, Fight (2024): A project highlighting her growth as a recording artist and songwriter, including songs such as Working for Me.
• Live, Breathe, Fight (2025 releases): Additional releases associated with the album’s rollout, including the title track and Deserve to Win.

Mann’s albums have helped her maintain a strong presence in gospel music across different stages of her career. Her recordings combine contemporary production with Christian themes, making them suitable for both personal listening and church worship.

Tamela Mann’s Grammy Award and Other Achievements

Tamela Mann’s contribution to gospel music has earned recognition from major music industry organizations. Her awards reflect her success as a singer and her influence on contemporary Christian music.

One of her most significant achievements came in 2017, when she won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song for God Provides, her collaboration with Kirk Franklin.

She also received a Grammy nomination for Take Me to the King in 2013. Her album Live, Breathe, Fight was nominated for Best Gospel Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Beyond the Grammys, Mann has received multiple Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Dove Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and other honors. She has also won a BET Award and a Billboard Music Award.

In 2022, she was inducted into the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame, recognizing her contribution to music and entertainment.

Her achievements extend beyond award ceremonies. Her recordings have reached the top of gospel charts, and her performances have helped bring contemporary gospel to audiences across generations.

Tamela Mann’s Acting Career

Although Mann is widely known for gospel music, acting has been another major part of her career. Her work in theatre, film, and television has established her as a versatile entertainer.

Her acting career developed through gospel stage productions before she became closely associated with Tyler Perry’s productions. Her ability to combine comedy, emotion, and warmth helped her develop a distinctive screen presence.

Mann’s acting work has included stage plays, feature films, television sitcoms, and family entertainment projects. She has often played characters whose humor and personality make them memorable, while her musical background has allowed her to contribute to productions that incorporate gospel music.

Her success in acting has expanded her audience beyond gospel music fans and demonstrated that her creative abilities extend well beyond singing.

Tamela Mann and Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry played a major role in expanding Mann’s acting career. She became widely recognized through her performances in his stage plays, films, and television productions.

Mann portrayed Cora Simmons, one of Perry’s best-known characters. Cora is often presented as a humorous, outspoken, and caring character whose Christian beliefs are an important part of her personality.

Mann’s performance helped make Cora memorable to audiences, and she reprised the role in multiple productions over the years.

Her collaborations with Perry also helped establish her as an actress capable of moving between comedy, drama, and musical performance. The role brought her recognition from viewers who may not have followed her gospel recordings.

Tamela Mann’s Movies and Television Shows

Mann has appeared in several films and television productions, particularly those associated with Tyler Perry.

Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005)

This film was among the early screen projects that introduced Mann to a wider audience. She also contributed musically to the production, connecting her acting and gospel backgrounds.

Meet the Browns (2008)

Mann appeared as Cora Simmons in the film Meet the Browns. The story follows a family dealing with relationships, responsibility, and unexpected life changes.

Madea Goes to Jail (2009)

Mann reprised her role as Cora in this Tyler Perry comedy, which brought together familiar characters and humorous situations.

I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009)

Mann appeared in this film, which combines comedy and drama with themes of family, responsibility, and personal transformation.

Madea’s Big Happy Family (2011)

Mann returned as Cora in this family comedy, continuing her association with one of Tyler Perry’s most recognizable fictional worlds.

Sparkle (2012)

Mann appeared in the musical drama Sparkle, starring alongside artists including Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston. The film explored the experiences of a musical family and the challenges of fame.

Mann & Wife (2015–2017)

Mann starred alongside her husband, David Mann, in the comedy series Mann & Wife. The show combined family situations, relationships, and humor, giving the couple an opportunity to work together in a television format.

The Manns and It’s a Mann’s World

Mann and her family have also appeared in reality and entertainment programming that offers audiences a glimpse into their personal and professional lives.

Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living (2020 onward)

Mann reprised her role as Cora in Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living, continuing a character she had played across several productions.

The Color Purple (2023)

Mann appeared in the musical film The Color Purple, which brought together a cast of singers and actors in an adaptation of the celebrated story. Her participation connected her gospel and acting careers within a major musical production.

Madea’s Destination Wedding (2025)

Mann returned to the wider Madea universe through this Tyler Perry production, continuing her long association with the franchise.

Her acting career demonstrates her versatility and has helped her establish a lasting presence in both gospel music and popular entertainment.

Tamela Mann’s Husband, David Mann

Tamela Mann is married to David Mann, an American actor, comedian, singer, and producer. The couple married on June 9, 1988, and their relationship has continued for decades.

David Mann is widely known for playing Mr. Brown in Tyler Perry’s productions. Like Tamela, he has built a career that includes acting, music, and family entertainment.

Their marriage has also become a professional partnership. They have worked together on films, television series, live performances, books, and music projects.

In 2018, they released the collaborative album Us Against the World: The Love Project. The project explored marriage, commitment, and the experiences of building a life together. They also published a companion book, Us Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage, and Family.

The couple’s long marriage has made them a recognizable partnership in Christian entertainment and family-focused media.

Tamela Mann’s Children and Family Life

Tamela and David Mann have a blended family that includes four children. Their family life has featured prominently in their public story, particularly through television appearances and collaborative projects.

Their children include David Mann Jr., Porcia Mann, Tiffany Mann, and Tia Mann. The family has shared aspects of its life through entertainment projects, while each family member has also developed individual interests and professional pursuits.

Tiffany Mann has pursued acting and musical theatre, while other family members have participated in the family’s entertainment and business activities.

Tamela and David have also spoken about the importance of maintaining family relationships while managing demanding careers. Their shared experiences as spouses, parents, and professional collaborators have influenced their music, books, and television work.

Tamela Mann’s Christian Faith and Gospel Ministry

Christian faith is central to Mann’s music and public identity. Her songs often express prayer, gratitude, trust in God, and the need for spiritual strength during difficult circumstances.

Her musical roots in church helped shape her approach to gospel singing. Rather than treating faith as a theme that appears only in certain songs, Mann’s career has consistently connected music with Christian beliefs and worship.

Her recordings have been used in church services, prayer meetings, and personal devotional settings. Songs such as Take Me to the King and God Provides encourage listeners to seek God during moments of uncertainty and recognize His faithfulness.

Mann’s public work also reflects the importance she places on family, perseverance, and gratitude. Her combination of gospel music and entertainment has allowed her to communicate Christian themes to a wide audience.

Tamela Mann’s Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship

Mann has expanded her career beyond singing and acting through business ventures. She and David established Tillymann Music Group, which has supported her music releases and other creative projects.

She also launched the Tamela Mann Collection, a clothing line introduced in 2019 that focuses on athleisure and activewear, including styles designed for curvy women.

The collection reflected Mann’s interest in fashion, comfort, and helping customers find clothing that makes them feel confident.

Her wider business activities include family entertainment, music projects, and collaborations connected with the Manns’ brand. These ventures demonstrate how she has used her public profile to develop opportunities beyond traditional performance work.

Tamela Mann’s Personal Growth and Health Journey

Mann has discussed her personal growth, body image, and efforts to improve her health. Her experiences have attracted public attention because she has spoken about the importance of confidence, discipline, and making changes that support long-term well-being.

She has also shared aspects of her fitness journey with her husband, David. Their public discussions have emphasized the value of supporting one another and approaching personal goals as a team.

Mann’s willingness to speak about these experiences has encouraged conversations about self-confidence, lifestyle changes, and the pressures that entertainers may face in the public eye.

Her story in this area is part of a broader career defined by continued growth and the ability to embrace new challenges while maintaining her identity as a gospel artist and actress.

Tamela Mann’s Net Worth

Tamela Mann’s net worth is estimated at approximately $6 million. Her long career as a gospel singer, actress, songwriter, and entrepreneur has contributed to her financial success.

Her professional work includes successful music releases, live performances, film and television roles, business ventures, and collaborations with her husband. Her acting work in Tyler Perry’s productions and her continued presence in gospel music have helped sustain her career across several decades.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

1. Who is Tamela Mann?

Tamela Mann is an American gospel singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur known for songs such as Take Me to the King and her role as Cora Simmons in Tyler Perry’s productions.

2. What is Tamela Mann’s real name?

Her full name is Tamela Jean Mann. She was born Tamela Jean Johnson before marrying David Mann.

3. How old is Tamela Mann?

Tamela Mann was born on June 9, 1966. She is 60 years old as of October 2026.

4. When was Tamela Mann born?

She was born on June 9, 1966, in Fort Worth, Texas, United States.

5. Where is Tamela Mann from?

She is from Fort Worth, Texas, where she grew up in the Stop Six neighborhood.

6. Who is Tamela Mann’s husband?

Her husband is David Mann, an actor, comedian, singer, and producer. They married on June 9, 1988.

7. How long have Tamela and David Mann been married?

They married in 1988 and have been married for more than 38 years as of October 2026.

8. How many children does Tamela Mann have?

Tamela and David Mann have a blended family of four children: David Mann Jr., Porcia Mann, Tiffany Mann, and Tia Mann.

9. What is Tamela Mann’s most famous song?

Her best-known song is Take Me to the King, which became a major gospel hit following its release on the 2012 album Best Days.

10. Did Tamela Mann win a Grammy Award?

Yes. She won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song in 2017 for God Provides, her collaboration with Kirk Franklin.

11. What are Tamela Mann’s most popular songs?

Her popular songs include Take Me to the King, God Provides, Change Me, Best Days, Speak Lord, Touch from You, and Working for Me.

12. What is Tamela Mann’s net worth?

Tamela Mann’s net worth is estimated at approximately $6 million.

13. What album made Tamela Mann famous?

Her album Best Days, released in 2012, helped establish her as a leading solo gospel artist. It featured Take Me to the King and reached number one on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart.

14. Was Tamela Mann part of Kirk Franklin and the Family?

Yes. Mann was a vocalist with Kirk Franklin and the Family during the 1990s, contributing to the group’s recordings and performances.

15. Who does Tamela Mann play in Tyler Perry’s productions?

She plays Cora Simmons, a character who appears in multiple Tyler Perry stage plays, films, and television series.

16. What movies has Tamela Mann appeared in?

Her film credits include Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Meet the Browns, Madea Goes to Jail, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, Madea’s Big Happy Family, Sparkle, The Color Purple, and Madea’s Destination Wedding.

17. What television shows has Tamela Mann appeared in?

Her television work includes Meet the Browns, Mann & Wife, It’s a Mann’s World, and Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living.

18. What is Tamela Mann’s latest album?

Her album Live, Breathe, Fight was released in 2024. The project continued to receive related releases and promotion in 2025.

19. What is Tamela Mann’s latest song?

One of her recent releases is Hello God, featuring Wyclef Jean and Kirk Franklin, released in May 2026.

20. Does Tamela Mann have a clothing line?

Yes. She launched the Tamela Mann Collection in 2019, offering athleisure and activewear, including clothing designed for curvy women.

21. What is Tamela Mann’s record label?

She and her husband established Tillymann Music Group, which has supported her music releases and creative projects.

22. Has Tamela Mann received other awards besides the Grammy?

Yes. She has received Stellar Awards, Dove Awards, a BET Award, a Billboard Music Award, and NAACP Image Awards. She was also inducted into the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame in 2022.

23. What is the message of Take Me to the King?

The song expresses a desire to come before God for help, comfort, and spiritual renewal. It emphasizes surrender and dependence on God during difficult times.

24. Why is Tamela Mann influential in gospel music?

Her powerful voice, successful albums, memorable worship songs, and decades of performances have made her one of the most recognizable contemporary gospel artists. Her acting career has also introduced her to audiences beyond gospel music.

Conclusion

Tamela Mann’s biography tells the story of a gifted singer and actress who has built a lasting career through faith, hard work, and creative versatility. From her early years singing in church to her time with Kirk Franklin and the Family, she developed the musical foundation that later led to solo success.

Songs such as Take Me to the King and God Provides have become important recordings in contemporary gospel, while albums such as Best Days and One Way demonstrate her growth as an artist. Her Grammy Award and other honors reflect the impact of her music.

Beyond the recording studio, Mann has become a familiar figure through her role as Cora Simmons in Tyler Perry’s productions. Her work in film, television, fashion, and business has expanded her influence, while her marriage to David Mann has created a long-standing personal and professional partnership.

Through music, acting, and entrepreneurship, Tamela Mann continues to inspire audiences with her talent, resilience, and commitment to faith and family.

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References

• Tillymann Music Group, Tamela Mann Official Biography
• The Recording Academy, Grammy Awards
• AllMusic, Tamela Mann Biography and Discography
• Billboard
• Recording Industry Association of America
• Gospel Music Association, Dove Awards
• Stellar Awards
• Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame
• BMI, Tamela and David Mann Profile
• Apple Music, Tamela Mann Discography