Having grown up in a musical household in the Caribbean, singer Terri Bannister, uses her voice to give thanks to God. Throughout her childhood, she performed with missionary trips, breaking down language barriers through the powerful transformation and universal language of music. Terri’s talents extend to leading a kids’ choir and working with other musicians. Based in Long Island, Terri’s music is focused on praising God through her music and lyrics. She’s performed all over the world, including South and Central America, Canada, Israel, and the Caribbean. Her single, “You Love Me,” was also featured in the European docu-series “Hidden Treasure,” focused on helping women perpetuated in the cycle of prostitution. Her extraordinary talent has seen her as a member in the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and the Youth Chorale, participation in the McDonald Gospel Fest at Madison Square Garden, wrote a Christmas play “Coming Home” that saw five years of performances.
Her latest single and music video with “Little is Much,” Terri’s inspiring message through her voice and video is to look at what you already have to be grateful for, and that the little things are the ones that bring much more excitement and satisfaction. As depicted in her music video, in real-life experiences, maintaining focus on God and His blessings, and in return, He always remains faithful.
We had a wonderful discussion with Terri about her first recollections of music, her time working in a kids choir and other musicians before focusing on her own music career, the kind of encouragement she hopes people will take away from listening to her music, and much more.
You grew up in a musical household; do you recall your first memory of music, and do you remember how it made you feel?
Terri Bannister: Yes- actually in my “Child Brain” time was a little swizzled, but I do remember my dad playing gospel music when I was a child and I felt like I was just going to jump out of my body. Literally, I was thinking “Can anyone else feel this?” It was just so intense for me- the music, the lyrics, the chords, the singing! I was so enthralled.
You led a kids’ choir and worked with other musicians before deciding to release your own music. What catapulted the launch into creating your own music?
Terri: It was like being pregnant and needing to give birth. I can only say that because as mom you know when “It’s time” for the baby to come and that’s what happened with me being at the point of releasing my own music. I had so much inside of me that I needed to share and I could no longer hold it in. I knew that God was showing me that it was time. I still love working with kids so I have a tendency to include children in my music work. For example: I’ve had kids perform with me live and in the “Little is Much” video, I had my little god-daughter (who is the child in the video) appear in it.
Your experiences in music have obviously influenced and shaped your own career. Do you have a specific moment and/or experience you knew that this was the calling on your life?
Terri: Yes- I always kind of speculated that it was. However, when I was in graduate school I read “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, that sealed it for me. I knew for sure why I was here and what I needed to be doing.
“Little is Much,” is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and promises. What do you hope people take away from this encouraging song?
Terri: I want people to know that the situation they’re in is not hopeless. Last year was a trying year for so many, I think sometimes we feel like the trial is bringing us to the end of the rope and there’s no way out. However, when someone hears “Little is Much” I hope for them to see that God is in the boat with them and they’re not alone. Whatever they have is enough for this moment because He hasn’t abandoned them. If God is with you, it changes the outcome of your equation.
What is next for you in 2021? I’m finally releasing a new project, and I’m so excited!
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite overall?
Terri: My first memory of a concert was a caribbean gospel concert that our community held every year. I remember feeling like my feet couldn’t touch the ground. The music had me! Over the years there’s been a bunch of concerts so I really can’t choose a favorite of those.
What was your first album on CD and/or vinyl?
Terri: Oh my, this one’s difficult. I do remember my first mixed cassette tape from different gospel artists when I was a young child. My brother would collect them and give them to me.
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Terri: Cece Winans, Candi Staton, Andre Crouch, Lester Lewis and number five would be a mixture of international artists who contribute so much to this genre.
Do you have a “guilty” music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Terri: Actually, right now it’s children’s songs. My son has me repeating all the kindergarten sounds right now,
What have you been listening to, reading, and/or watching?
Terri: Because of COVID, our lives have been more remote than ever. I’m really enjoying the testimonies that I’m seeing online, especially on social media of people overcoming not COVID. but also loneliness, fear, and anxiety. I also love Oswald Chambers: “Utmost For His Highest” as a devotional and I’ve been loving “Waymaker” written by Sinach. My baby is also obsessed with it.
Find Terri on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Listen to her music on Spotify.
Related posts:
