Whatever Happened to: Tony Terry
It’s not often that an old-school artist catches me off guard, but it certainly happened yesterday. While traveling to Krispy Kreme to feed the wifey’s doughnut addiction, Tony Terry’s “In the Shower” came on the radio.
The wife was so busy screaming “THAT’S MY SONGGGGGGGGGG!” that we nearly drove through the doughnut shop.
Tony had a great voice and a couple of good songs but for some reason I had nearly erased him from my memory. Obviously the wife hadn’t forgotten him.
Let’s reminisce on why the ladies loved Tony so much.
Tony, looking like Drake’s daddy, debuted with Forever Yours back in 1987. His first single, “She’s Fly“, was typical cornball 80s New Jack Swing. The title track, however, was off the chain.
Foooooooooooor-ever yoursss….
That song served as inspiration for countless ghetto talent shows.
Tony re-emerged at the end of 1990 with his self-titled sophomore album, which included his biggest hit, “With You.” I know y’all remember that one. Check him out singing at the Apollo. Are my eyes failing me, or is this dude really wearing chaps? Guess he’s going to strip at a bachelorette party after the show.
Although I couldn’t find a reliable link, I’m sure “Everlasting Love” brings back memories. Oh, and don’t forget “Head Over Heels,” which was pretty good, but I think I prefer Allure’s “Head Over Heels.” If anyone needed the “Whatever Happened to” treatment, it’s those ladies.
Tony released Heart of a Man in 1994, but most of his fans had moved on. That’s a shame, because “When a Man Cries” was pretty good stuff. The lyrics sorta sound like a country song – maybe that turned off his old fans.
Although I barely found any info on it, My Best dropped in the summer 2001. That album featured the song that nearly got me killed yesterday afternoon. Any Tony Terry fans remember anything about that album?
In recent years Tony moved on to gospel. Huh, who knew? He had worked with gospel artists like Yolanda Adams in the past so I guess it makes sense for him to strike out on his own. He dropped his first gospel album, Changed!, in 2006.
Should he come back?: Sadly, Tony’s brand of tender-hearted R&B isn’t as well-received as it was in the early 90s. At this point in his career, I think Tony’s better off making music for the Lord. He’s come a long way from messing around in the shower.
Tony Terry is that dude! That first album pic is hilarious, I’d never seen that one..One of his gospel videos used to come on BET every Sunday morning..His 2nd album brings back a lot of memories b/c my mom really liked him when I was a kid..my fav memory is when she took me to see The Wiz stageplay and he was the Tin Man!
Tony Terry still has it!! He sings real music from his heart and soul. I saw and met Tony this past week in Durham, NC. He is a pure gentleman and the epitome of an R&B artist. Should Tony come back? True Tony Terry fans know he never left; Tony’s music is classic and no one can or will take his place!! A TRUE TONY TERRY FAN!! Sherron K. Bristol
I agree!
Personally, I think the dude’s still got it. He sung at my church not long ago and it was great.Like you said, I don’t know if the R&B world is ready for him again but I definitely think he has a bright future in Gospel.
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I’m real ate dinner to Tony Terry
Tony Terry visited a club in Chicago several years ago, and my friends and I went nuts! The DJ played “When I’m With You,” and everyone went even crazier!
We posed with him in a photo, and I still have it prominently displayed.
Man, I still smile whenever I hear that song. 🙂
Uh, Tony Terry is still singing R&B. I just watched him perform the song “Midnight Serenade” on the album Love & Sax. It came out in 2011.
CJ
Yes!! I STILL ADORE that song “with you”!! If he’s singing for the Lord, praise the Lord, Amen!! Go head Tony, do yo thang baby boy!!
I have a nephew that I strongly believe is Tony Terry’s brother. Please respond if he’s interested in finding out and btw, I love his music!!!!!
If u he’s using his voice to sing for the Lord he’s definitely doing the right thing. And if he’s got a real relationship with him he probably want b back to singing r&b
I actually saw him performing in a Motown Revival Show a few years back at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City…He still sounded really good..
TONY is back and sounding AMAZING on this sexy new romantic r&b song! REPERTOIRE https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/repertoire-feat.-tony-terry/id928622331
Tonyterry I love the song Wen I am with you
We used to perform here in DC a lot we we classmates at Duke Ellington and still great friends we speak almost daily. So glad he is still remembered.
My name is S. Jones and I almost positive that my nephew is Tony Terry brother.
Just saw him perform at a club here and he still sounds absolutely wonderful.
What’s Tony doing now?
I think Tony Terry is my nephew’s brother and would very much like to make contact to discuss the possiblity with him. See my nephew was adopted byt my brother and sister-in-law bcause she could not have children and this too happened in Washington DC and my nephew looks just loke TonyTerry and is as equally talented. Please respond to email provided. Thanks and may God continue to bless him.
Man oh man, I almost forgot about Tony Terry. I was driving home late one night and “With You” came on the radio. Wow that was my song. I loved his voice and still do. I think he still sounds great. I agree that music has changed and no one is listening to real singers anymore. I think he will be better in gospel music.
This incredible singer never really got his props..”With You” was my wedding song, but have you ever heard his version of ” More than you’ll ever know?…
SERIOUSLY!!!
Love him
Tony Terry will always be relevant. “When I’m With You” is still a classic and most beautiful song. Every time I hear that song it congers up lovely memories of one of the most beautiful men I’ve even encountered in my life. Thank you Sir for letting the world see your heart because I feel you in every word. May God continue to bless you and your Family.
Valerie, a fan from Missouri City, Texas!!!
Tony should certainly be featured on Unsung…
I agree. Unsung would be a great showing of his career. His song “with you” is one of those song I think someone real good to sing on one of those reality singing shows.
WOW!!! I MISSED TONY….I’M SITTING AT WORK LISTENING 2 EVERLASTING LOVE NOW! !! LOL! 🙂
The only problem is the show Unsung is usually reserved for those artists that had bad stuff happen to them. Although his R&B career tailed off, Tony Terry has never had a problematic life.
I met Tony Terry in the lobby of the Silver Spring, Maryland Holiday Inn many years ago. He used the name Tony the Tiger as his room name so people would not call his room under the name Tony Terry. He sang “When I’m With You” for me and my friends in the lobby. It was the most exciting weekend I had experienced in a very long time and I will never forget him or that experience.
I was at that show too!! I met him back stage. He was a nice guy. Wow that was so long ago.
Mr. Terry has an awesome voice & he is gifted!
He needs to be networking with Oprah , TD Jakes,
So, that his talent can be utilized & a great Blessing to a wider audience
Man how could anyone ever forget lovey dovey. I got my first real kiss on a hot moonlight under the African skies in Kenya in 1989 dancing to this great song. I will always treasure lovey dovet and Tony Terry
My wonderful husband of 29 years turned me on to Tony Terry and to this day, 29 years later any and every Tony Terry song comes on and I stop whatever I’m doing to sing, dance, cry just reminiscing that wonderful time. He was AMAZING then and always will be to me! Linda
Man! Tony Terry opened for one of my homecoming shows at an HBCU I attended in Norfolk,VA in the eighties! He had broken his leg/foot and I remember him hobbling around on stage still getting down, woppin’ and everything – with a half cast on?! Thanks for taking me back! ?
A Norfolk HBCU? I’m a grad of NSU as well!
Ha ha… Much love to you NSU Alum!
Still listening and loving I Tony 6. It’s actually … HOT!!! he’s been in interviews describing a new album, talking about how he’s ’52’ and not looking for radio hits, but interested in the story telling of it all. I think he really came back in a big way to R&B with this one.
Yes!! “With you” is still a hit. All the old R&B, oldies and goodies songstresses and the guys like Tony Terry, Johnny Gill, Tevin Campbell, Bobby Brown, GUY, to name a few and many hot hit ones I have not mentioned, should put on a hit show together or do something together. Showing our younger generation to keep the same flow.
Make the world a better place.❤️
I met Tony while we both were in the cast of a play at Howard U on Mahalia Jackson. He was just out of Duke Ellington. He is 53 now. Wow. Bless ya Tony. Keep singing.
Tony Terry is a very gifted singer & the song “when I’m with you” I just love that song. I think he is very relevant & never really got proper reconition. Why haven’t BET had him on any awards shows?
I just heard “With You” on Pandora and immediately searched where He is today. Glad to know he’s well.
I love Tony Terry especially the song he made with DJ Rico I play at least 10 times a day
I still listen to Tony Terry. There’s nothing better than a man singing a love ballad. Just a great voice.
You are so RIGHT. TO HEAR A MAN SINGING A BEAUTIFUL LOVE BALLAD, IT’S JUST SO ROMANTIC AND SO BEAUTIFUL.
Getting ready for Valentines Day, this was my husband and my favorite song
After almost 29 years of marriage “With You” still our favorite and people
still stop and stare at us and smile. Tony Terry forever in our hearts.
Just heard “When I’m With You” in the car on Sirius XM and I nearly lost my mind. Great song, awesome memories. I’ve played it at least 20 times on YouTube since then. Love it, love it, love it. Wonderful artist. Pure voice.
I love Tony Terry song When I’m With You. It will always be a wonderful song to me and to the world. Tony Terry is a fantastic singer. His Talent is Extraordinary.
That first album cover picture he looks like Lionel Richie, a young VERY VERY HANDSOME Lionel Richie. Like if Lionel Richie got married to a very beautiful lady and produced a Fantastically Handsome-looking Son