By Micheline Bowman

 

 

 

“I can’t waste the gift I was given. “Listen” is just the beginning of my big hug for the world.”  Terry Dexter

 

In 1999 Terry Dexter hit the scene as a solo artist with a Warner Bros. release of “Better Than Me.” With a long hiatus and never giving up on her natural born talent of singing, she is back beautiful as ever and ready to bless the world with her gift of singing.

 

While many may say nine years off the scene may be a bit much…for Terry it was a time to reflect, grow and reinvent herself and her music.  She’s gone from being a kid who at only 14 sang backup for British group Simply Red; to the lovely young woman she is today. “I always knew I wanted to have a long career in music, which meant taking time to evolve into a better singer and songwriter. And now with the freedom to do as I please artistically, I thought, ‘All right, I’m ready to come back.” 

 

I’ve been blessed to interview many people in my 20 year career in broadcasting, and I must say that interviewing Terry Dexter was a pleasant and memorable experience. We clicked on so many different levels.  Her spirit and energy are simply natural. Our conversation was an hour of endless laughter, girl talk and everyday life experiences.  I discovered that she knows how to balance the crazy world of entertainment, while still remaining focused and true to herself. Wow…beautiful, genuine Terry Dexter at her finest.

 

Micheline- Talk to me about your new C.D. Listen…where did the title come from?

 

Terry- A few years ago it was the first song for this project inspired by a high school friend of mine that was murdered. He was angry and hurt in side and his choices led to his death.  At that time he needed someone to reach out to him.  He wasn’t listening to his heart and inner voice.  He didn’t hear his lessons and God’s love because he had this hard exterior and wall he used to cover his pain.  There are so many reasons why people don’t listen to the “right” thing to do for whatever reason.  I dedicate this song on the CD to him, but the album is dedicated to all people going through something or having gone through any type of challenge.  It’s about getting back to “Listening to your heart and your truth!”

 

Micheline- You took a break from the business…nine years. How does it feel to be back?

 

Terry- Time really flies…My first album was a big experience. I really didn’t know much and I was trying to find myself as an artist.  I think I have the same story like many artist, making bad decisions and things, but I did have some great blessings as well. You really have to have a realistic thought on this business.  I really grew up in the past few years. I’m going to fight for what I want as an artist and not be a puppet.  When you are going after your passion, the minute you make the first step…That’s success! You can never look back.

 

Micheline- Has the business changed much for you from then to now?

 

Terry- Yes! Things have changed because of all the technology now…when I wanted to sing you only had one way. Go to a label and that was that.  It’s much easier now because myspace is there and there are so many independent labels and the majors are merging. There’s a big flip and I think this is a great time for all artist You have songs all over the internet and there are so many avenues now.

 

Terry and I talked about her family life. She grew up in Detroit a city full and rich with churches.  She has three sisters that are each equally as talented. One is serving in the military and was recently deployed, another is touring in Europe right now as an Opera singer, and to my surprise…Terry has a fraternal twin. 

 

At 5’8 she’s a big basketball fan and even played forward and center in high school.  She loves to cook and laughed when I asked her what her favorite food is…“I love me some chicken wings” She loves listening to all genres of music and has just about any group you can name in her Ipod.   She’s always busy since relocating to Los Angeles and I asked her how she finds time for herself.  Her answer was simple…YOGA!

 

Terry- I love yoga!  I just got introduced to it last December and it’s a new way of life for me. It brings a great balance and is a peaceful way of living.

 

She recalled a special moment when she came home from school one day and saw her dad playing the piano like someone who had been playing for years.  She never knew he had such a talent. That moment would never be discussed again between the two of them.

 

I asked her what she would probably be doing if she wasn’t singing.  She actually wanted to join the police force or the FBI.  Her passion for law enforcement was sparked early on when a friend’s mother was murdered and they never found the people who did it.  She hated watching people go through so much and never have closure. “I wanted to bring people to justice and specialize in kids that were abused, murdered or raped.”

 

Micheline- What’s next on the horizon for Terry Dexter?

 

Terry- I’m promoting, doing shows and I’m an actress (She landed the lead role of Tyme Prentice in David E. Talbert’s popular musical play “Love in the Nick of Tyme” touring last year and side note to readers…David and I just happen to be old college friends, small world indeed). I want to get back and start auditioning and I might take on a project soon that I’m considering.  I’m also thinking about the next project. Listen is like a chronicle…Listen one, two and three.  I might change the name, but it will keep evolving.

 

Micheline- What are you thoughts on this upcoming election?

 

Terry- I think it’s amazing! It’s a feeling I can’t even express. I’m a believer and I’m interracial. It allows our youth to know that there is freedom beyond what they believe and imagine.  I always thought as a child things wouldn’t happen and I was bound to certain things or rules but it’s totally breaking the ceiling it is an exciting time.  This generation is in the now. I’m really excited for kids and youth.

 

Micheline- Before I let you go, I have to say that I love the single “I’m Free” They are playing that on one of my favorite stations here. What is that single about?

 

Terry- It’s about a spiritual breakdown and coming back to yourself and realigning your priorities. This song is about that point where we have that strength that over powers us and God says it’s getting too crazy…you need to sit down and get back into your own truth. Some people go through harder breakdowns and the song is a celebration of coming back to yourself and making life simple again and when I say simple I mean love your family, make a phone call to say hi to your mother…take a walk, enjoy the breeze and realize that we are blessed with life. It’s a feeling of freedom.

 

Micheline- Any last thoughts or words for your fans about this C.D.?

 

Terry- This record is a big hug to the world…I did it for them. My whole career was writing for business purposes or because I thought someone else wanted to hear it.  I wrote for the fans .It’s for them!

 

Before I knew it an hour had easily passed and with the 3 hour time difference I had to get back to work.  She had errands to run, but we vowed that we would make time to meet when she came to town.  Terry has infectious warmth that made the phone interview so relaxing. I wished her all the best, but know that she is back and ready to embrace the world. Happy early birthday my Scorpio Sister! If folks don’t know anything about us Scorpions…we are driven and determined to make things happen!  Much love Terry!

   

For additional information contact: Denise McIver, Media Relations

323-229-9409

Email: Dmciver167@aol.com

   

Special thanks to Penny’s Gang  Records, www.pennysgangrecords.com

 

On behalf of Penny’s Gang Records, they invite you to come, pull up a chair, empty your mind, and take a few moments to immerse yourself in this compelling and profoundly moving new album project by Terry Dexter…and just listen…