Biography

Terri Carroll started singing in her grandmother's "sanctified" church at the age of 3. Growing up, her love of singing lead her to enter and win many talent shows, contests and pageants. A native of Gary, Indiana, her professional career began writing and singing commercial jingles that were aired on Chicago area radio stations. As Terri grew into her life, she experienced college, the army, marriage and motherhood. Sometimes there was room for the music and sometimes there wasn't. The break-up of her marriage, however, signaled a need to go back to what she knew best, singing. With 3 small children to raise, Terri hit the Atlanta club scene. She went from fronting one of Atlanta's premiere jazz bands, to being the leader of her own band in a few short years. But there was a dark and abiding secret always tugging at the edges of Terri's dream to be a great songstress. She had been introduced to drugs and alcohol many years earlier and their affects were rapidly becoming hard to manage. One day in 1996, a knock on Terri's door brought a messenger from the Lord. Her old high school friend and beau turned pastor and producer; Terry Garmon. He wanted to record a gospel project on Terri and the rest, as they say, is history. Terri's debut album on CGI records entitled, "Terri Carroll", earned her two nominations at the 14th Annual Stellar Awards, no small feat for an unheard of artist coming right out of the gate. Unfortunately, label politics and upheavels led to CGI Records going bankrupt. Terri was at an impasse. All doors seemed to be closed to her. She was out of the "loop." But the same God that delivered Terri from the demons of drugs and alcohol, is the same God whose face she sought for answers about what to do next. Seven years later in 2005, Terri is back with "Holding Out 4 God." Says Terri, "I like to call it, "Holding Out 4 God, the Atlanta Sessions", because it represents for me the challenges of being outside of the mainstream of the gospel music industry and depending solely on God ." Under the sure hand and direction of friend and producer Paul Persley, a project was created that truly glorifies God through it's smooth music and scriptural content. "We did not have big label budget money, but what we did have was a faith in God that said as long as we took one step, He'd take two. There is a lot of great music ministry out here and even greater ministers of music who shouldn't be stifled because they don't have high end budgets. " Holding Out 4 God" is so special to my heart, because it represents for me that if God said it, then it's done, no matter what the world thinks!" "Holding Out 4 God" is the delectable precursor to Terri Carroll's sophomore project that is currently in production and will be released later in 2005. "I've gotten so much positive feedback from God's people and as they are enjoying "Holding Out 4 God", I want them to get ready for what's coming next. It's very exciting! As Terri continues in her assignment for the Lord she gives some advice for other aspiring artists. "Whatever God has for you, he has equipped you fully for it. It might not seem like it, but it's true. Continue seeking His face and doing His Will for your life. The race is not given to the swift or to the strong, but to the one who endureth until the end. Never quit!! © 2008 Terri Carroll