This morning I received an urgent call from former Xscape singer Tameka “Tiny” Harris’ mom, Dianne Pope, asking me to inform my readers that Tiny’s father, Charles Pope, is alive and well. Tiny’s fans were introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Pope on Tiny’s reality show, Tiny & Toya on BET in 2009.
It seems that some idiot created a fake Facebook page imitating Tiny and claiming her father was deceased. “Tiny wants people to know that her daddy is fine,” said Mrs. Pope. “That’s not her Facebook page at all.
As you know, Mr. Pope (pictured at right with Tiny’s daughter, Zonnique) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. T.I. and Tiny founded the For The Love of Our Fathers Foundation, which raises money for Alzheimer’s research.
Mrs. Pope says her husband’s condition has improved and he’s getting stronger. “He’s more alert. We’re getting him up now doing exercises,” she said.
Mrs. Pope theorized that Tiny’s fans may have confused Tiny’s father with a member of his legendary R&B group The Tams, who was murdered by his roommate. Tiny’s father founded The Tams, and Tiny has performed with the group.
According to Channel 2 Action News, longtime Tams band director Versi Sain, 59, was found shot to death in his Clayton County home earlier this month. Police arrested his roommate, Sam Morgan, and charged him with murder. He is being held in the Clayton County jail. The two men were childhood friends who grew up together in Muskegon, Michigan. Sources say the motive may have been money.
The Tams, now headed by Tiny’s brother Red, are known for their 60s hits “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” and “Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me.”
