Ann Bennett Nesby is an American R&B, gospel, and dance music singer and actress.

Former lead singer of the world renowned Sounds of Blackness; accomplished songwriter with credits including Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight; co-starred in the 2003 musical comedy The Fighting Temptations with Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyonce Knowles; various appearances on the hit television series American Idol. Nesby has been nominated multiple times since her departurure from the Sounds of Blackness, most recently her 2007 album This Is Love lead single "I Apologize" was nominated for a Grammy at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Nesby is set to release a R&B inspired Gospel inspirational album during the late summer or early fall of 2008 under her It's Time Child Records imprint.

Early life

Born in Joliet, Illinois, she gained notoriety as a lead vocalist for the Sounds of Blackness. Ann grew up in the Church, where her Father was pastor.

Musical career

Nesby had several big dance hits as part of the Sounds of Blackness (earned two Grammys with Sounds of Blackness) in the nineties but left to pursued a solo career.

A prolific songwriter, as she has written songs for Patti LaBelle (Right Kinda Lover, which was the blockbuster summer radio hit in 1994); Gladys Knight and others. Dueted with Sting on the Demolition Man soundtrack. Also dueted with Pastor Shirley Caesar on "That Stone," which was Grammy nominated.

She earned four consecutive Top 5 hits on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart with "Hold On" (#5, 1997), "Love Is What We Need" (#2, 2000), "Lovin' Is Really My Game" (#1, 2000) and "Let Your Will Be Done" (#3, 2002).[citation needed]

Acting career

In 2003, she appeared in the film The Fighting Temptations.

Personal life

Her granddaughter, Paris Bennett, was a top five contestant on American Idol 's fifth season.[citation needed]. She is a member of World Changers Church in College Park, Georgia; where Dr. Creflo Dollar is Pastor.