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Ann Nesby | |
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 Nesby in 2019 | |
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| Also known as | Lula Lee |
| Born | Lula Ann Bennett (1955-07-24)July 24, 1955 (age 70) |
| Origin | Joliet, Illinois, U.S. |
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Ann Nesby (bornLula Ann Bennett; July 24, 1955) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and producer known for her work in R&B, gospel, and dance music. She rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the Grammy Award-winning groupSounds of Blackness before launching a solo career that has earned her multiple Grammy nominations and critical acclaim.
Nesby has released eight solo studio albums, including her 2025 return project,ANNiversary, a collection of original R&B music centered on themes of love, emotional maturity, and empowerment.[1]
Beyond music, Nesby is also known for her acting work in film and television, including appearances inQueen Sugar,Atlanta,The Ms. Pat Show, and the national tour ofTina: The Tina Turner Musical. In 2025, she executive produced and narrated the Oscar-qualifying documentary shortCIRILO, A Legacy Untold, which explores the life of civil rights figure Cirilo McSween.
She performed lead vocals on notable tracks such as "I Believe," "Optimistic," "I'm Going All the Way," "Soul Holiday," and "The Pressure." The group's albums earned Grammy Awards in 1991 and 1993.
In 1996, Nesby released her debut solo album,I'm Here for You, which charted on theBillboard 200 and included several successful R&B and dance singles.[2] That same year, her rendition of "Lovin’ Is Really My Game" reached number one on the Billboard Dance Club chart.
Throughout the 2000s, Nesby released a series of albums blending gospel, soul, and R&B, includingThis Is Love (2007) andThe Lula Lee Project (2009), the latter debuting at No. 13 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. She earned additional Grammy nominations, including one for her duet withCalvin Richardson on "Love Has Finally Come at Last."[3] The project was co-written and produced with RL (ofNext) and longtime collaborator Brian "B-Flat" Cook. The album reflects themes of mature love and emotional reciprocity.[4]
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