Tamela Mann: Tiny Desk Concert

This year's Black History Month celebration at the Tiny Desk features a carefully crafted lineup spanning many genres, generations and walks of life. Each artist represents the best in their class and will be performing at the Tiny Desk for the first time.

Bobby Carter | February 20, 2023
The powerful messages of her music, magnified by the strength of Tamela Mann's vocals, made for a tearful Tiny Desk concert. These were happy tears; eventually, Tamela herself, overcome with emotion, explained how singing her songs helps keep her faith intact. After closing with one of her signature songs, "Take Me to the King," she gave us some parting words of encouragement. "Let's just hold on to faith, hold on to hope, hold on to joy," she said, "because it still exists in our society."

The Fort Worth, Texas, native's calling was evident early in her childhood, wowing the congregation at Holy Tabernacle church by the time she was 12. Her career has since stretched far beyond music. After meeting Tyler Perry in 1999, she and her husband, actor David Mann, became integral to his explosion on the stage, television and film. Faith and family have remained at the helm throughout her decorated career, earning Stellar Awards and a Grammy. Her daughter, Porcia, coordinated their trip to Washington, D.C., while her daughter Tia sang background, and of course, David was in the audience entertaining the crowd before and after the show. It's impossible to tell the history of Black people in America without the gospel, and Tamela Mann represented at NPR headquarters.

SET LIST
"Finished"
"Change Me"
"Take Me to the King"

MUSICIANS
Tamela Mann: vocals
Tia Mann: vocals
Brittany Stevenson: vocals
Deon Yancey: vocals
Patrick Wright: keys
Phillip Bryant: keys
Johshun Griffin: drums
Jamaal Franklin: bass
Aaron Scott: guitar

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director: Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Elizabeth Gillis, Sofia Seidel, Maia Stern
Editor: Sofia Seidel
Audio Assistant: Brian Jarboe
Production Assistant: Jill Britton
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Kara Frame, Ashley Pointer
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#nprmusic #tinydesk #tamelamann

[jenniferharding-williams]

NPR... we need more gospel tiny desks!!!

[PhilliptheZero]

I am so incredibly mad that the algorithm made me wait 7 days to find out this happened. Tamela is ONE OF A KIND....and BEEN that way for decades! Thank you NPR for honoring an icon!

[BBBLAC]

I would’ve tore that lil library up 🙌🏾

[Suddenmindfulness]

Y’all should get THE CLARK SISTERS!! This was great.

[justinsanchez]

She obviously wasn't feeling her best, but she still showed up and gave everything. She could have made excuse that she wasn't feeling well or was losing her voice and I wouldn't have thought twice about it. The fact that she didn't, though, shows me that she doesn't think it's all about her. She is there to minister not just perform. I love that about her - how humble she is with such a powerful gift. Thank you for having her for a TDC.

[paulasuniverse]

A long overdue Tiny Desk concert. Tamela Mann is a vocal powerhouse and example of a beautiful family dynamic.

[GeminiLesbian]

I'm an atheist, but I've always loved African-American gospel music and believe they're top-tier singers in general. Very soulful and vocally strong. I'm at work on my break crying tears of love for Mrs. Mann. ❤️

[toyaJM]

@Npr in the description y’all started her career with Tyler Perry but we’ve know Tam’s vocals from long before her work with Tyler from her working with Kirk Franklin.

[angelajohnson]

You have no idea of the number of lives you’ve changed and uplifted today NPR through this ministry.

[allthingsrajay]

Cece Winans tiny desk would be EVERYTHING!

[DizzyBuns]

Thank you NPR, gospel singers never get enough attention with their music not being Pop, but boy can they sing live and it’s a treat for all of us to listen, god bless Tamela 💗

[savvysavvs]

WHEW! Didn’t know Tamela did a Tiny Desk, she KILLED IT🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[ABlackMan]

NPR keeps getting more and more legendary. Who would’ve thought they’d be carrying the torch for great live music and giving us straight gems👌🏾💎

[tokasaurusrex]

I lost my faith gradually over the past few years as I succumbed to a multitude of hardships, failures, and loss..and I honestly stumbled upon this gem by chance..and as soon as she spoke- I was intrigued...then the lush guitar made me stay..by the time they all started playing/singing I was overwhelmed with the love and hope I had backslid from.. It moved me in such a way that i felt compelled to share and rejoice. Thank you Tamela and your amazing band for being a fisher of men and for opening my eyes. 1❤

[fabteengh]

Thank you NPR. I screamed when I saw it was Tamela Mann. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[sultrysoloist]

SET LIST
“Finished” 0:00
“Change Me” 5:40
“Take Me to the King” 11:02
“I Can Only Imagine”/Outro 16:00

[MsAngelaCrystal]

When my grandmother passed away in 2012, Take Me to the King played on the radio on my way to the funeral. It'll always have a special place in my heart. ❤️

[UppityOne]

How am I just seeing this?!? Love hearing Tamela Mann lift up the Lord. Thank you for this blessing.

[reggiedaniel]

Tamela has church every time she opens her mouth! She is worshipping every song she sings!!!

[jordanorionn]

She's incredible, and I'm so happy to see her on the Tiny Desk platform.