The three strand cord of faith, family and friends is the triad that forms the perfect chord on the grand staff in the song of Tamela Mann’s career.
The Grammy nominated singer has made that her winning formula since she embarked on her solo career not long ago. She has endeavored to keep friends close and even share her modern success with contemporaries from her storied past.
You may know her as the powerful vocalist on “Now Behold the Lamb” and other early hits from Kirk Franklin. After The Family was released from GospoCentric the future seemed uncertain, but Tam still had a song to sing! She and her husband David continued the work to pursue the dream and vision over their lives.
David remained committed to seeing this come to pass for his wife,even at the cost of his own dreams and aspirations. They launched a label and taking the helm, David used his budding expertise as well as that of industry connections and began the grassroots process that has led Tamela all the way to the Grammy stage this weekend. This has also brought them into the company of many entertainment entities and executives, most famously Tyler Perry.
With a revamped sound and focus, The Mann’s became an entertainment Tour de Force. Time with Perry opened a door for David Mann to showcase his wit in addition to his vocals. David sings and writes songs as well but few people knew that he was such a comedic genius until the birth of his exuberantly eccentric alter ego “Mr. Brown.” Mr. Brown is beyond explanation. There is no possible way to explain what he is. Your head hurts, your stomach hurts, your cheeks hurt…but you feel good, too! David’s humor and humility created a path and new stream for the couple as both began book dates for Tam’s singing and David’s gut busting comedy! Though David could garner exec of the year nods, he still sings. David made an appearance with Tam on her “Masterplan” album and lead a song on the Live DVD Experience (Marvelous), that golden voice is still as pure as it was the first day. However, comedy and the gospel met head on when Mr. Brown had some ‘Good Ol’ Time Church’.
The couple’s children all assume vital roles on the TillyMann staff. The label’s moniker is their daughter’s nickname. The label has successfully launched 3 projects and a live cd/dvd since Tam’s initial release. Tia and Tiffany sing and David, Jr. answers the phones (he handles the business: like father,like son). The family dynamic is a thread as tight as Mr. Brown’s thrift store bell bottoms. The Mann family has opened their doors and their vision to include those working with them, even band members (Bobby Sparks, Jerome Harmon, Todd Parsnow, Mike Frazier).Tamela was even so gracious as to allow this inexperienced examiner the privilege of accompanying her a few times.
Family first and forever
The exterior extensive family of the David and Tamela Mann is unlike any other. Mann's critically acclaimed single "Take Me to the King" is written by Kirk Franklin. Many speculated that the two would never work together again,but year's later Franklin proved to again have the "write" stuff for his former vocal phenom.
The future is bright and believe it or not, this is the only launchpad for their whole ministry.The Mann's still have plans to host a marriage conference to help couples survive some of the common and uncommon pitfalls modern marriages face. The entertainment industry is notorious for destroying families and the family dynamic but the family Mann has proven to be the antithesis of and carry the antidote for the dissolution of family that often comes with modern day fame and fortune!
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