Terry Whitehead is a performing singer-songwriter from Northeast Florida. He has music running through his blood. He grew up listening to his father who was an accomplished guitarist in the style of Chet Atkins and has been singing since he was old enough to talk.

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From early years of singing in the church to acoustic folk-rock ventures to lead vocalist in a classic rock band, he became an in demand vocal stylist with an effortless versatility that is reflective of these experiences. It was singer-songwriters Bob Dylan and Paul Simon that inspired him as a young teenager to try his hand at songwriting. After many years of refining the craft his peers at a local Songwriters’ Night encouraged him to record an album of all originals and “Perfect Wave” was released in 2008.  The songs are so varied that the album is hard to label as a whole, but you will hear an eclectic mix of Americana, Rock, Folk, and Adult Contemporary.

Terry's second album "Garden" was released in August 2014. Garden has themes of comfort, reflection, encouragement, inspiration, motivation, and hope. Sample the music of Garden by selecting the music tab at the top of this site.

Terry is in the duo SideTrack with guitarist Knopsnyder. Side Track plays an eclectic mix of rock and R&B that draws from several decades. Their repertoire has the variety to customize to any venue – any occasion.  Depending on the venue, Terry & Dave are sometimes joined by Warren Miller (keyboards) and Beau Halton (drums) for a band experience. 

Before Side Track Terry fronted a 6 piece Americana Rock band Red Afternoon with female vocalist Tamara Colonna Grigsby. The band’s sound features their sibling-like blend of male-female harmonies. Other members of the band were Dave Knopsnyder (guitar), Bill Gibson (guitar), Warren Miller (keys), and Beau Halton (drums).  

Terry has been nominated in two categories of the Just Plain Folks Music Awards! "Garden" was nominated for Best Contemporary Album and "Steeples" was nominated for Best Contemporary Christian & Spiritual Song.

 Terry co-wrote and released the single "Back Roads" with Jeff Woods. This song has a light and jazzy feel. It is a featured song on the radio and online series "Sips, Suds, and Smokes." The show is featured on radio stations (including NPR affiliates) and also ranks anywhere from 50 to 200 in the iTunes podcast chart. The show has been #1 in the Food category for 3 years now. This translates to "Back Roads" being heard in numbers hitting about 2.5M online and about 6M via radio each week!

Several tracks off of terry's 1st release Perfect Wave left an impressive track record in several songwriter contests. This included recognition of “Happy Valley Folks” by the Billboard International Songwriting Contest ("... Very raw and real. Nice work!") and as a semi-finalist in the UK Songwriting contest.  Terry had songs selected for two national cancer charity compilations: "Sleeping Child" was selected for the 2009 compilation "Project: Cure Music Series Vol.1" and "So I Am" was included on the 2010 release "Songs For The Cure 10." 

What folks are saying about Terry’s music:

“Terry’s ability to encompass various sounds into his song-writing proves his range and talent. As you listen to the album you will hear sounds ranging from rock, folk, bluegrass, Americana and country.  His style of music is the perfect setting for his powerful lyrics and deep commanding voice. He captures the essence of storytelling in how he delivers his music through everyday references of life's ups and downs.”
Juniors Cave Online Magazine

"The vocals [on Happy Valley Folks] are delivered with a strong performance and you really feel completely enveloped in the song. The arrangement is outstanding and really 'paints a picture'… Nice chorus.  Just a nice tune.  They 'can' play! ….” 
Crescent Music and Media

[Terry’s] “songwriting, singing, and overall style are outstanding ... “
Larry Whitler of Ocala Live WOCA

“After listening to a few of Terry’s songs from his CD Perfect Wave, I think you will like what you hear. Add this album to your collection!"
Buzz Entertainment Magazine

"[Terry] has a strong, deep voice that can soothe your soul and songs that make you think."
Roy Peak of Radical Recording Studios

"[The album Garden is] So tender, sincere, authentic, vulnerable and powerful" 
Barbara Bloemsa, Aspen Co"

"What a voice! I would consider a Faustian deal if I could sing like Mr. Whitehead"  
Andy Burke, Arroyo Seco, NM (source: RoyPeak.com, May, 2015)

"One of Terry Whitehead’s nieces fell asleep in his arms once, and the song 'Sleeping Child' was born. The lyrics, inspired by that tranquil feeling, convey the profound importance of stopping every once in a while no matter how chaotic life gets. 'It’s a song that kind of describes things that comfort you and just the feeling of relaxation,' he said. The singer-songwriter based in Atlantic Beach said that’s how he writes a lot of his songs ... Whitehead eventually became part of a few classic rock bands and then an Americana band. He has since splintered off to form a duo with longtime friend Dave Knopsnyder, who will be joining Whitehead on the electric guitar for Folk in the Springs [High Springs, Fl]."

Alachua Today, Florida