Wayman Tisdale
I just heard the news that basketball and Jazz great Wayman Tisdale passed this morning, May 15, 2009 after a battle with bone cancer that claimed his right leg. It…
May 15th, 2009 | Published in Assignment, Photography | 4 Comments
I just heard the news that basketball and Jazz great Wayman Tisdale passed this morning, May 15, 2009 after a battle with bone cancer that claimed his right leg. It seems appropriate that I show you a couple of photos that show his vibrant personality.
I’ve only met Wayman this one time, on the shoot for Kicker’s iKick iPod dock stereo. He was incredibly gracious, full of energy and optimism. Out of the hundreds of portraits made, I don’t think i have any without his infectious smile.
He even played some tracks from a funk album he was working on, a big departure from his Jazz style. It sounded amazing, and I hope it will be released.
Rest in Peace Wayman.
May 15th, 2009at 8:48 am ( # )
Fun story… In 1982 I and several class mates were interested in attending Booker T Washington High School (Tulsa). It was all about academics to me. I knew one person and that was it.
So, we’re bussed in from all over Tulsa to tour what might be our next school. The first person I see seems to be peering out at us from on top of the lockers around the corner. But, when I turn the corner… there aren’t lockers… just LONG legs and this lean, tall dude smiling at us. “Hi, I’m Wayman! Welcome to Booker T.” The schools been rebuilt since but I have that picture in my mind like it was yesterday.
He was an amazing man who made the most of his talents and shared them without hesitation with any and all around him. What a great, great role model.
May 15th, 2009at 8:56 am ( # )
Amazing Jeremy.
May 15th, 2009at 9:09 am ( # )
I had the honor of being one of Wayman’s high school classmates. We didn’t know each other except in passing. I wish I had known him better. I will say, that whenever he was there, that smile……oh, you couldn’t not smile when you saw his.
I was a sophopmore at Tulsa University when I first saw him on the cover of the Rolling Stone. I had no clue he even played bass…..I don’t know if I was that unaware or if he was that humble. I suspect it was the latter.
The world is a sadder place today. My love and prayers to his family. Wayman left the world a much better place. Such a legacy.
God bless.
Laura Mace Wheeler
May 15th, 2009at 10:34 am ( # )
I saw a little special segment on him on the news last night and then again this morning. I didn’t realize that he had passed away.
Great pics.