Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Name	Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Birth name	Latasha Cobbs
Birth date	1981-07-07
Birth place	Jesup, Georgia, United States
Occupation	Gospel singer, songwriter, worship leader
Years active	2003–present
Spouse	Kenneth Leonard III
Notable works	"Break Every Chain", Grace

Tasha Cobbs Leonard is an American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader known for blending contemporary gospel, worship, and urban contemporary gospel styles. Emerging from the African American church tradition in the Southern United States, she has achieved mainstream crossover success through live recordings, chart-topping singles, and collaborative projects. Her ministry and music have connected with audiences across Christian denominations, secular platforms, and international stages.

Early life and education

Born in Jesup, Georgia, she was raised in a family active in the Pentecostal and Baptist traditions associated with churches like Church of God in Christ and local Baptist Church congregations. Her early training included participation in church choirs similar to those that nurtured artists such as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and Hezekiah Walker. During adolescence she moved to rural communities in southern Georgia and attended regional public schools influenced by curricula and extracurricular music programs found in counties like Glynn County, Georgia and Wayne County, Georgia. She later attended vocational and ministerial training opportunities common to aspiring worship leaders in institutions like Brenau University and seminar programs affiliated with denominations such as Assemblies of God.

Music career

Her recording career began with independent releases and live worship projects typical of gospel artists like Mahalia Jackson and contemporary peers such as CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, and Donnie McClurkin. A breakthrough came with a live album that produced the hit single "Break Every Chain," a song that achieved airplay on Billboard charts alongside works by Lauren Daigle and Tauren Wells. She has released albums through labels and distributors comparable to EMI Gospel, RCA Inspiration, and Motown Gospel, placing on charts like the Billboard 200 and Top Gospel Albums. Her production collaborators have included producers and musicians associated with projects by Israel Houghton, James Fortune, and Jonathan Nelson. Tours and festival appearances have placed her alongside artists and events such as Bethel Music, Travis Greene, GMA Dove Awards showcases, and citywide worship gatherings in places like Atlanta, New York City, and London.

Gospel ministry and collaborations

Her ministry extends beyond recording into worship leadership for conferences, television programs, and ecumenical gatherings parallel to ministries led by Elevation Worship, Passion Conferences, and Hillsong United. She has collaborated on recordings and performances with artists including Chris Tomlin, Mary Mary, Jill Scott, Donnie McClurkin, and Timothy Tyson-style community leaders, contributing to ensemble projects and guest vocal spots on albums released by ministries like T.D. Jakes's network and events similar to the BET Awards worship segments. Partnerships with choir directors and worship pastors mirror networks connected to institutions such as Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and university-based gospel choirs like those at Howard University.

Personal life

She is married to Kenneth Leonard III, and their family life is centered in the Atlanta metropolitan area, a region that has fostered artists including Usher, Outkast, and Beyoncé. Her personal faith journey includes mentorship from pastors and religious leaders comparable to Bishop Marvin Sapp, Pastor Mike Jr., and ministers within the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Church of God in Christ circles. She has publicly spoken about balancing ministry, marriage, and motherhood in interviews and podcast conversations similar to those hosted by Zig Ziglar-adjacent faith broadcasters and Christian radio outlets like SiriusXM's faith channels.

Awards and recognition

Her awards and nominations echo the trajectories of gospel performers who have received honors from institutions such as the Grammy Awards, BET Awards, Stellar Awards, and the GMA Dove Awards. She has achieved chart success on Billboard and recognition from industry organizations akin to the Recording Academy and regional civic honors from municipalities in Georgia. Critics and commentators from outlets like Essence, Billboard, and Rolling Stone have noted her impact on contemporary worship and gospel crossover.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Her philanthropic work includes initiatives common among faith-based artists: community outreach, music education support, and partnerships with relief organizations similar to Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and faith-affiliated nonprofits operating in urban centers like Atlanta and coastal towns in Georgia. Advocacy efforts have touched on issues affecting church communities, family support services, and arts initiatives in partnership with local ministries and charitable foundations modeled after programs by figures such as Bishop T.D. Jakes and organizations like Gospel Music Workshop of America.

Category:American gospel singers Category:People from Jesup, Georgia