Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Reese.
Hi Wayne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Dancing and entertainment has been a part of my life since I can remember however, the story of uncle grandpa on one began in 2014. During that timeframe, I was known as Ty DaGeneral, a well-known Baltimore club Dancer, who was competing in the annual king of Baltimore dance competition. Although I blend it in with my peers despite being older than all of the other dancers with those dancers; they began referring to me as “Unc”. At first, I felt as if it was an insult however, overtime I begin to realize that it was a sign of respect from all of my peers because I’ve been around for so long and played a critical role in contributing to the development of majority of the dancers in the Baltimore club culture. So I came to a point where I decided to make a statement roughly a week before the competition I went to a good Samaritan thrift store and found an old pimp out, fluffy coat, some suspenders, some old reading glasses, and went to a nearby costume shop and purchased an old man beard. Combined together with a pair of khaki pants and some black Nike boots; I had created the perfect character, which I had no idea would evolve into the Superstar that he is today. In fact, uncle grandpa on one didn’t officially blow up on social media until 2021 where he made his debut on TikTok doing a viral dance created by another fellow Baltimore influencer. Uncle grandpa on one is the spokesperson for those who don’t believe in their own abilities. He’s also an advocate for mental health, fun, motivation, and inspiration for all age groups. With his cane, smooth moves, his theatrics he captivates his audience, whether live in person or on social media with his high energy dance moves. He’s built a strong reputation as one of the main attractions to look for at the M&T Bank Stadium, and the Orioles stadium during football & baseball season. He currently has built a fanbase of over 268k followers and counting through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The mottos that he lives by are winners never quit and quitter never win. And you’re never too old to bust the move.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Life in general has a multitude of trials and tribulations that we go through every day but for me in particular, my hardest is struggle is living without my mother who passed away back in 2012. Not having that one person that knows exactly what to say to make you feel better when it feels like the whole world is coming down on you the one person that truly taught you what unconditional love feels like although I’m truly blessed that she was alive and well to see me throughout Elementary middle high school ,college, and a portion of my military life It breaks my heart that she’s not here to meet her grandchildren to witness them growing. Once you’ve endured pain like that, everything else seems pretty secondary because I live with that every day so the struggles of trying to make ends meet while raising three kids doesn’t seem that difficult compared to losing your number one cheerleader. I’ve experienced failures. I’ve experienced heartbreaks and abusive relationships, and yet I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy the pain of losing your mother.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
It’s funny you mentioned work because what I do these days is all about impacting others impacting people. i’ve been retired from the United States armed forces since 2020. However, after retirement, I pursued my masters degree in social work for three years. After obtaining my masters degree in social work in 2023; I worked in my field as a part-time clinician for a boys home the first year and a care companion for the elderly the second year up until September 2025. Since then I’ve been focused on balancing my social media career with being a present father for my kids.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
When it comes to who gets credit for contributing to my success: first and foremost, I gotta give credit to my mom, god rest, her soul and my father who’s still alive. My mother because she’s always instilled in me to be confident in myself and made me believe that I am destined for greatness and to not let anybody deter me from pursuing what my heart desires. My father for teaching me to be discipline and work for what I want. Those two get the most credit. The next person that deserves a lot of credit is a long time, friend, confident, and business shark Neek B Chillin CEO of Bmore than dance. It’s because of him that there was a platform in which uncle grandpa on one was able to come into fruition. That night when I stepped on stage in character in that moment for the first time in front of a large crowded room with the music jumping it spark something that I had no idea would grow and evolve into what he is today. Today uncle grandpa on one is recognized all over the world in different states and countries and that all started on Neek Chillin’s stage so I’m forever grateful for that blessed opportunity because of him. And because of that moment, a living legend’s story is still being written as we speak.
Pricing:
- Fall Pop-Up Tour Registration $150 (for a limited time) Click the link in bio to register
- Book 📖 TheFamilyReunion For Your Event (prices may vary)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.unclegrandpaonone.com/book-online
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unclegrandpaonone?stkn=MXIyaDVqdml0OGc0bw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DLLo1oK8o/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@unclegrandpa0401?si=GckxMZKZR51Rmkuv
