Ingeniously funny and extraordinarily talented are understatements when it comes to the multifaceted actor and singer, David Mann.
A native of the "bible belt" state of Texas, David masterfully showcases his God given talents in today's most dynamic and distinguished genres.
Like most young African-Americans, David was appropriately raised in church by his respectable and upright parents and grandparents. It was under their governing that little David learned-physically the meaning of "spare not the rod" when it came to misbehaving in God's house and grandmother Charlie Mae's house. As David grew weary from his grandma Charlie Mae's excruciating pinches and his mother's "Boy, you betta sit down somewhere look," (and we all know that look), he sought out an unassuming auxiliary at church. After observing his grandfather "Duke," a Pentecostal preacher who could sing you out of your seat, and listening to his mother serenade the congregation, David decided to join the youth choir.
Soon it would be discerned that the once mischief-loving rascal could offer such pleasant-sounding vocal potential. His voice unaltered by those intrusive falsetto shrieks brought on by puberty, David with balanced and harmonious execution would eventually sing the congregation happy as he sang praises to the King! Those early experiences would later establish the way for David's promising career on the music circuit.
It was not long after that the music world took notice of David when he tunefully teamed up with three-time Grammy award winning gospel sensation Kirk Franklin and The Family.
Revolutionizing the pulse of gospel music, the debut album of Kirk Franklin and The Family was the first gospel album ever to go platinum and is certified double platinum-making gospel music history. Franklin and his group, The Family released the popular hit Whatcha Lookin' 4, which forcefully soared on the Billboard's Top 200. The album was No. 3 on the R&B charts and No. 1 on Contemporary Christian and Gospel charts. Moreover, the album received distinguished musical honors including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel album, a Soul Train Music Award, five (5) Stellar Awards, and an NAACP Image Award for the best duo or group.
Reeling from such whirlwind success, David continues to affirm his exceptional vocal capacity as an esteemed vocalist today.
Accentuating his already impressive resume, David set his sights on acting. As a free-spirited adolescent, the self-possessed 15 year-old discovered a way to employ his unsuspecting antics by involving himself in various high school activities including contemporary drama where he permeated the stage world by becoming a budding thespian. Finding his natural element, David was commonly cast as the production's funnyman where his infectious comedic flair was visibly realized and fittingly unleashed. From high school to local community theaters, David's amateur characterizations soon turned into accomplished performances, which quickly gained notable recognition advancing his diversified image into public notice.
In 1996, NAACP three-time Image Award recipient, established screenwriter, and "The People's Playwright," David E. Talbert casts the likes of David in his popular urban stage play He Say?She Say?But What Does God Say? David delivered a rousing portrayal of a high-strung, obnoxious gangster named "Forty Ounce" who caused audiences to split their sides laughing as he injected them with slapstick humor. The hit show also entertained playgoers with soulful performances from the heralded debut album of Kirk Franklin and The Family. The wonderfully composed drama and comedy was later adapted for television on the UPN sitcom Good News.
In short order, David joined forces with one of America's most funniest actors and critically acclaimed playwright, Tyler Perry-affectionately known as the cannabis smoking, pistol-toting, crude mouthed grandmother "Madea." A nominee of the prestigious Helen Hayes Award, which recognizes professional theater achievement, Perry has unquestionably raised the urban theatrical bar.
Ridiculously talented, the illustrious actor has written, directed, and produced numerous plays including the stage play hit "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" where David remarkably immortalized the intrusively nosey, wisecracking, ashy-kneed, and outrageously funny neighbor "Mr. Brown." As was apropos, David's bravo performances to sold-out theater houses led the way for Mr. Brown to become a principal character in Perry's hilarious stage comedies Madea's Class Reunion and Madea's Family Reunion.
As David's encore theatrical portrayal of the lovable, outspoken, saved and half sanctified, unchoreographed, festively dressed neighbor has gained unprecedented national recognition, the creative juices of playwright Perry began to flow.
With eight successful stage plays to his credit, Perry indeed stands as the most prolific urban prodigy of all time. And Tyler Perry's Meet the Brown's is certain to be another sure-fire stage play hit guaranteed to pack theaters and gross millions. "If you thought Madea's family was crazy, wait till you meet the Brown's." The gospel play stars David Mann and his multi-talented wife Tamela Mann, fondly known as the giggly, powerhouse songstress, Cora.
Divinely gifted and humorously creative, David Mann's musical and theatrical talents brilliantly epitomize ingenuity at its best.
When David is not on tour, he enjoys the restful company of his devoted wife Tamela Mann, and their four fun-loving children.