Check Out True Marie’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to True Marie.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Terisa “True Marie” Tubbs, and music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started singing at three years old, and by nine I was auditioning for opportunities that showed me music could become more than a dream. Growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, music became my safe place and the way I expressed everything I couldn’t always put into words.

As I got older, life took me down many paths. I built a career in healthcare, helping thousands of patients and teaching future phlebotomists, while never letting go of my passion for music. I continued writing, performing, and developing my artistry whenever I could because I knew it was part of who I am.

My experiences—both the victories and the setbacks—have shaped the artist I am today. I’ve experienced loss, heartbreak, health challenges, and moments where giving up would have been easier, but every chapter has given me another song to write. My music is rooted in honesty, healing, love, resilience, and hope.

Today, as True Marie, I’m creating music that connects with people on a deeper level. I want listeners to feel understood, encouraged, and reminded that no matter what they’ve been through, they can keep going. This isn’t just about becoming an artist—it’s about building a legacy of authenticity, inspiring others through my story, and proving that it’s never too late to pursue the dream that’s been in your heart all along.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many independent artists, I’ve had to balance my passion for music with the responsibilities of everyday life. I’ve worked full-time while continuing to write, record, and invest in myself as an artist. There were times when finances made it difficult to pursue opportunities, and there were moments when personal loss, heartbreak, and health challenges made me question whether I should keep going.

One of my biggest challenges has been believing in myself even when others didn’t fully understand my vision. I’ve learned that talent alone isn’t enough—you need consistency, discipline, resilience, and faith. Every setback has pushed me to become a stronger songwriter, performer, and person.

Instead of allowing those experiences to stop me, I turned them into music. Every song I create reflects a piece of my journey, and I hope listeners hear not only the pain but also the healing and strength that came from it. Those obstacles didn’t define me—they refined me. Today, I approach my career with greater purpose, knowing that every challenge has prepared me for the opportunities ahead.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
am a singer, songwriter, performer, and storyteller. As True Marie, I create music that blends the emotion of classic R&B with modern influences, focusing on real-life experiences that people can genuinely connect with. Every song I write comes from a place of honesty—whether it’s about love, healing, heartbreak, growth, or finding your purpose.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve never stopped creating, no matter what life has thrown at me. I’ve spent years balancing a full-time healthcare career while continuing to write, record, perform, and invest in my dream. That perseverance is something no one can take away from me.

I believe what sets me apart is authenticity. I don’t create music to chase trends—I create music that tells stories and makes people feel seen. My influences include artists like Aaliyah, Teena Marie, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Brandy, but my goal is to bring my own voice and perspective to R&B. I want listeners to hear strength, vulnerability, and hope every time they press play.

More than anything, I want my legacy to be that I inspired people to keep believing in themselves, no matter where they started. If someone hears my music and feels understood or encouraged to keep chasing their dreams, then I’ve done exactly what I set out to do.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories are the moments when I realized music was more than just something I loved—it was part of who I was. I started singing when I was three years old, and I remember performing for my family and anyone who would listen. Those moments gave me confidence and made me feel like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. By the time I was nine, I was already auditioning and dreaming of becoming a professional artist.

Growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, music became my escape, my joy, and my way of expressing emotions I couldn’t always put into words. Looking back, those early performances and the encouragement I received planted the seed for the artist I’ve become today. Even now, when I step on stage or write a new song, I think back to that little girl who simply loved to sing—and I strive to make her proud.

Pricing:

• Live Performances: Starting at $350 (pricing varies by event, location, and performance length).
• Private Events: Custom quotes available upon request.
• Features & Collaborations: Contact for pricing and availability
• Modeling (Fashion, Commercial, Lifestyle, Print): Starting at $150/hour or $200+ per project.
• Brand Collaborations & Sponsored Content: Starting at $300+ (varies by campaign and usage rights).

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mstrue_marie
• Facebook: Terisa Rue
• Twitter: Official_true_marie
• Youtube: Official jus tru
• Spotify: True Marie
• Apple Music: True Marie
• Booking Email: terisaruebooking@gmail.com