Bassist Wayman Tisdale Undergoes Surgery

Wayman Tisdale, recording artist, composer, former NBA superstar and Gold Medal Olympian, recently underwent surgery to remove a recurrent, cancerous tumor. After learning of his relapse, Tisdale elected to have surgery that will fully assure his overcoming the disease. Following a successful surgery, Tisdale is in good spirits and health and will be returning home shortly to recover before he picks up touring again later this fall.

In a press release, Tisdale says, “I have complete faith that with the Lord’s blessings, this surgery will eliminate the cancer from my body, and I’ll soon be back on the road doing what I do best. There is a lot more music inside me, and once I am back on my feet, I look forward to sharing my joy with my fans, friends, and fellow musicians.”

Tisdale will take some time off to recuperate, and will be back in time for late fall tour dates, and to host the January 2009 Smooth Jazz Cruise. The seven-day excursion features Gerald Albright, Jonathan Butler, Peabo Bryson, Jeff Golub, Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber, Brian Simpson, John Stoddart, Jodey Watley, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, Willie and Lobo, Jonathan Slocumb, and special guests Rufus and Chaka Khan.

Tisdale was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, located on his right tibia, after breaking his leg in 2007. Knee replacement surgery and months of chemotherapy followed. The surgery, which took place on August 25 to remove the lower part of his right leg, is expected to eradicate the cancer, and Tisdale’s surgeons predict a full and speedy recovery.

Tisdale’s latest album, Rebound, debuted at # 1 on Billboard‘s Contemporary Jazz Chart. His current single, “Throwin’ It Down,” is ranked sixth in this week’s USA Today Mediabase Smooth AC chart.

Originally Published September 5, 2008