A native of Buffalo, New York, Terrell Carter’s singing and acting career has skyrocketed him to fame.  Starting with Tyler Perry’s stage plays, What’s Done In the Dark, Meet the Browns and Madea’s Class Reunion Terrell also appeared in the highly successful Diary of a Mad Black Woman.  In his singing career Gospel legend Fred Hammond auditioned him as well as collaborated with Terrell paving the way for him to work with other famous singers. 

Terrell talks to ChiCity (Chicago) about not conforming to the music industry, how Tyler Perry changed his outlook and how it pays to be more than a triple threat. 

“Actually it was a wonderful experience.  With HBO/Cinemax you have leniency with your acting as well as the content that is shown.” Terrell talks excitedly about his different and current role as Jamaal in the new HBO/Cinemax series ‘The Zane Sex Chronicles’ based on stories from the popular author Zane.   Thinking about his future in the business he plans to pursue sitcom and film opportunities as well as act in the movies that he is currently writing.   His plans don’t stop there, “I want to do Broadway.  That would be the ultimate as far as the stage for me.” 

Terrell started acting because; “Acting was always something that I was very interested in.  After starting with the Tyler Perry plays I auditioned for the movie.”  When probed about Tyler Perry he reflects, “One of the most wonderful experiences that I could have dreamed of.  With Tyler Perry he is a perfectionist.  He wasn’t afraid to step out on his dreams and push them through even when all odds were against him and it wasn’t something that was the most popular thing in the industry. Working with Tyler Perry not only propelled my career, it definitely pushed me toward the acting side and opened my eyes to know the dreams that I have may not be the most popular thing in the business, however, I know there is a fan base out there that wants to hear that type of music and see those types (God based/inspirational) of movies.” 

Acting wasn’t his first brush with the spotlight.  Attending church with his mother and grandmother in his native town Terrell embraced singing gospel music.  After teaming with Fred Hammond he learned to hone his vocal skills and strengthen his writing and vocal arranging.  These experiences led to Terrell working with many big names like Faith Evans, Christina Aguilera, Sheila E, Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams. 

“It is amazing that Patti Labelle is calling and talking about stopping by and dropping off  (at my home) food.  Other celebrities are asking how my (personal) music is coming along.  It’s a great feeling.” 

Along with working with artists he is an artist himself, but when he decided to dip his hand in the music industry he decided not to be part of mainstream but rather independent.

“I don’t deal with the (record) industry and their definition of what is hot.  I’ve had those record executives say that my music is too deep and soulful for mainstream.  I have proved them wrong with my albums being very successful.”  Not having the hottest producers has led Terrell to sell 300, 000 copies of his albums "The Story", "Terrell Carter: Terrell" and "Carlela’s Reign".  

Working with both Gospel and R&B, Terrell states that he prefers, “I would have to say Gospel of course since that is my background and what I was raised with.  The R&B connects with me more on a old school / traditional level.”  Just because he prefers Gospel won’t stop him from evolving his future plans.  “I’m definitely about to start producing other acts and pulling together my own independent record label.  I want to do movie scores, television scores and a lot of themes songs for different projects. That’s something I haven’t touched on much.” 

After the screenwriting, the acting, the singing, and the dreams of Broadway this quadruple threat is evident but to him, “I’m a southern guy with that southern upbringing and southern charm.  Someone who definitely respects God and respects women and someone who is creative in more than just singing and acting, especially the way I look at things and the way that I look at life.” 

Enjoy more of Terrell Carter at http://www.terrellmusic.com/