Tamela Mann notches her record-tying eighth No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart, as “Help Me” tops the Sept. 10-dated survey, up 10% in weekly plays, according to MRC Data.
Mann matches Kirk Franklin for the most chart-toppers in the history of the ranking, which launched in 2005. Their chart connection is fitting, as she began her career singing with Franklin and the Family, providing lead vocals on multiple tracks.
Plus, Mann and Franklin share a Gospel Airplay No. 1: His “My World Needs You,” featuring Sarah Reeves, Tasha Cobbs and Mann, reigned for two weeks in July 2017.
James Fortune & FIYA rank third with six Gospel Airplay leaders, followed by four artists with five No. 1s apiece: Jekalyn Carr, Travis Greene, Donald Lawrence and Marvin Sapp.
Meanwhile, “Help Me” reaches the Gospel Airplay penthouse in its 12th week on the chart, completing Mann’s quickest trip to the pinnacle. It bests her first No. 1, “Take Me to the King,” which passed the finish line in its 14th frame in September 2012.
Franklin scored his eighth Gospel Airplay No. 1 last December with “Strong God.” He first led with “Looking for You” in November 2005.