TULSA, Okla. — "Sometimes it can be a burden, knowing that my last name is so powerful."
Montrae has some very big shoes to fill.
This Oklahoma City based recording artist, motivational speaker, radio personality and song writer understands exactly what's expected when your last name is Tisdale.
Of course Wayman Tisdale being my uncle and being from the Tisdale legacy family, this is a big deal for me to pay homage and respect to my family.
Montrae is doing just that by combining the family tradition of giving back to the community, like his grandfather the late Rev. LL Tisdale, with a love of music passed down from his uncle, former NBA player turned jazz musician, Wayman Tisdale.
The result? The next generation of gospel music and songs of inspiration.
"It's very important to me because of the times that we're in, you know. With police brutality, everything going on with COVID-19, unemployment and just so much going on, this video and this song is powerful to me because it's simply saying, "Keep Holding On," Montrae said.
With two gospel albums under his belt, Montrae said the music video they're shooting with his group, "The Friends Chorale," will appear on the BET Network, iTunes, Spotify and other platforms.
He's paying tribute to the family name by filming at several locations: The Wayman Tisdale Health Center, The Wayman Tisdale Fine Arts Academy, and the LL Tisdale Parkway Monument.
Montrae said he loves Oklahoma and it's people because both have been very good to his family. He hopes by spreading a message of love, he can bring a little peace during the pandemic.
"I've learned being a Tisdale there's three things: you can preach, you can do sports like Uncle Wayman, or you can do music. I tried sports, I wasn't good with that. I didn't want to preach, so I did the music. So I took the music route and it's been working for me so far."
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