 Wayman Tisdale
1964-2009
"Nothing can change me... You go through things. You don't
change because things come in your life. You get better because
things come in your life." —Wayman Tisdale
Wayman Tisdale was one of those rare people who achieved tremendous
success in two public arenas: music and sports.
Born the son
of a minister, Wayman Tisdale began his performing career by
playing bass in his father’s Tulsa, OK church. His basketball
prowess was uncovered in 8th grade, and he would go on to be
a three-time Big Eight Conference Player at the University of
Oklahoma. Music was still key in his life; in fact, his coach
changed the Sooner’s practice schedule to Sunday evenings so
he could continue playing at his father’s morning services.
Tisdale was a member of the 1984 Olympic basketball team, along
with Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing, when they won the gold.
His professional career spanned 12 seasons with NBA franchises
including the Indiana Pacers, the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix
Suns. During his hoops career, Tisdale kept up his passion for
music, bringing his instrument on the road to practice after
games.
Upon hanging up pro hoops in 1995, he released his debut CD, Power
Forward. He would record a total of 8 albums in the coming
years, earning both critical raves and respect from his peers
in the smooth jazz field. Tisdale was also admired for his
upbeat attitude, his unique connection to his fans and his
passion for life.
Tisdale was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, but used the experience
to encourage others undergoing difficulties. He did public lectures
and started The Wayman Tisdale Foundation, which, in part, assists
those in need of prosthetic devices.
In addition to his musical legacy and rich personal friendships,
Wayman Tisdale is survived by his wife, Regina, four children
and a granddaughter, Bailey.
QUOTES
- I want to be able to help other people do
this... I want to give them the chance, because if I hadn't
been blessed to the point I've been blessed, then I couldn't
do this.
- I didn't want to play basketball. My older brothers
got me into it and made me like it, you know. They showed me
the lucrative side of it... Then I fell in love with the game.
But I never threw music away.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WAYMAN TISDALE FOUNDATION
www.waymantisdale.com
SEE CLIPS FROM THE TISDALE CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN OKLAHOMA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC60QYaxrY4
BUY WAYMAN TISDALE CDs HERE |
