Montrae Tisdale Bio

Montrae Tisdale-Johnson is a gospel recording artist, choir director, minister, radio personality, and entrepreneur whose life and work are rooted in faith, excellence, and musical legacy. Born on June 16, 1991, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, he is the son of Monette Johnson and Larry Tisdale and the eldest of six siblings.

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Montrae’s passion for ministry began at an early age. At just eight years old, he was baptized at Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. A. Glenn Woodberry. There, he faithfully served as a Junior Deacon and became actively involved in music ministry, directing the Junior Mass Choir and later the Young Adult Mass Choir. Raised in the church by his grandmother, Cheryl Tisdale-Pickett, Montrae was recognized early for his uncommon spiritual depth, powerful prayer life, and natural leadership. His soul-stirring Third Sunday prayers and passionate choir direction consistently captivated congregations.

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A proud graduate of Star Spencer High School, Class of 2009, Montrae distinguished himself musically through solo competitions and as director of the school’s gospel choir, Essence of Praise. He earned his Associate of Arts degree from Oklahoma City Community College in July 2023 and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Oklahoma, with graduation in May 2026.

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Montrae is the founder and visionary leader of Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale, a professional, international recording community choir based in Oklahoma City. The choir brings together gifted singers from across the United States, including Norfolk, VA; Dallas and Houston, TX; Washington, DC; Tulsa, OK; Tampa, FL; and San Antonio, TX, with a mission to transform lives and nations through song.

 

As a member of the renowned Tisdale family, Montrae is the nephew of the late NBA legend and acclaimed jazz recording artist Wayman Tisdale. While honoring his family’s legacy, Montrae has firmly established his own voice in gospel music and ministry. Often referred to as the “Nephew of Gospel Music,” he has received support and endorsements from gospel luminaries such as Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Pastor John P. Kee, Kim Burrell, and Byron Cage.

 

Montrae is also the founder of MTJ Ministries, Inc., and the CEO of Tisdale Nation Entertainment, companies created to house his expanding ministry, music, and entrepreneurial ventures. In addition, he is the host of The Montrae Tisdale Show, the #1 syndicated radio show in Oklahoma, airing on POWER 103.5 FM, owned by Perry Publishing and Broadcasting. Which has also been nominated multiple times for the televised Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Montrae Tisdale is also the Oklahoma State President for the (NAGR) National Association of Gospel Radio. 

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His recording career began with the debut single I’m Alive, featuring Jonathan Nelson. He later achieved his first national Billboard debut with Bishop Larry Trotter Presents Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale, which peaked at #31 on the Billboard charts and featured artists such as Lillian Lloyd, Tiffanie “TuTu” Agee, and Bishop Carlton Pearson. The choir’s most successful release to date, The Good Friday Experience: Take II, surpassed 500,000 streams and reached #11 on the Billboard Current Gospel Albums Chart, featuring Kim Burrell, Bishop Larry Trotter, Zacardi Cortez, Beverly Crawford, C. Ashley Brown, and others. Their radio single The Key, featuring Kim Burrell, broke into the Top 20 on national gospel radio charts.

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Montrae and The Friends Chorale have collaborated with renowned artists including Ricky Dillard, VaShawn Mitchell, Bishop Paul Morton, and more. Known for his high-energy performances, joyful spirit, musical excellence, and vibrant style, Montrae seamlessly blends traditional gospel roots with contemporary sounds.

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On May 28, 2023, Montrae was ordained as a minister of the gospel under the leadership of Bishop Charles and Felicia Martin at All Nations Champions Church in Oklahoma City. In 2025, he became an official Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominee, earning recognition for The Faith Journey and receiving a nomination for New Artist of the Yearthrough votes from SAGMA members and the public. He has also been considered for Grammy and Dove Award recognition.

 

Montrae Tisdale continues to impact the world through music, ministry, and media—representing the Kingdom with passion, authenticity, and excellence.