Black, Terry

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Origin: Burnaby, British Columbia, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Terry Black: The Canadian Teen Idol

Early Life and Beginnings
Terry Black was born on February 3, 1949, in Vancouver, British Columbia. His musical journey began at the young age of 15 when he started performing on Buddy Clyde’s Dance Party on CHAN-TV in Vancouver. His smooth voice and natural charisma quickly garnered attention, leading to a wave of fan mail that caught the interest of music industry professionals. Bill Gilliland of Arc Records recognized his potential and signed him to a recording contract.

Rise to Fame
Black’s big break came in 1964 when he recorded "Unless You Care," a song written and produced by the prolific duo P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri. The single featured an impressive lineup of session musicians, including Glen Campbell on guitar, Hal Blaine on drums, and Leon Russell on organ. Released in the U.S. on the Tollie label, the song became a hit, reaching No. 2 on the Canadian charts and making its way onto the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Following the success of "Unless You Care," Black continued to release a string of singles, including "Kisses for My Baby," "Say It Again," a cover of Sam Cooke’s "Only Sixteen," and "Baby’s Gone." In 1965, he released his debut album, Only 16, on the Canadian Arc Records label. That same year, he was recognized as Canada’s top teen singer, winning the Top Male Vocalist of the Year award at the Maple Music Awards (later known as the Juno Awards). His music and teen idol status led to nationwide tours, solidifying his place in the Canadian pop scene.

Hollywood Dreams and Challenges
In 1966, Black and his family relocated to Los Angeles, following his father’s job transfer. With his growing popularity, Hollywood took notice, and a film project was proposed where he would play the brother of Elvis Presley. However, the project never materialized, putting a halt to his potential crossover into film stardom. Despite this setback, he released the 1969 album An Eye for An Ear under the name "Terence." This album, released in the U.S. by Decca Records and later in Germany by MCA Records, showcased a more mature and politically charged sound, but it struggled commercially and never saw a Canadian release.

Disillusioned with the music industry in the U.S., Black returned to Canada, where he sought new opportunities.

Later Career and Musical Evolution
Upon his return to Canada, Black remained active in the entertainment industry. In 1969, he joined the Toronto cast of the groundbreaking musical Hair! During his time in the production, he met singer Laurel Ward, whom he married in 1970. Together, they formed the duo Black and Ward and became part of Doug Riley’s band, Dr. Music. The couple recorded several singles, including "Goin’ Down (On the Road to L.A.)," which peaked at No. 57 in 1972. They also achieved Canadian success with the 1979 hit "Sun Goes By."

In addition to recording, Black performed on television and radio, lent his voice to commercial jingles, and explored country music collaborations with his wife. However, their marriage ended in 1993.

Later Years and Legacy
By the 2000s, Black had stepped away from performing but remained involved in the music industry. He hosted the oldies radio program The Sixties at Six on NL Radio in British Columbia, where he shared firsthand insights about the era's music and artists.

Outside of music, Black turned to painting as a creative outlet. Though he was no longer in the public eye as a performer, he continued to write songs and stay connected to his artistic roots. Tragically, in his later years, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. On June 28, 2009, Terry Black passed away in Kamloops, British Columbia, at the age of 60.

Despite his relatively brief time in the limelight, Black left a lasting impact on Canadian music. His early hits, teen idol status, and contributions to Canadian pop culture remain an important part of the country's musical history. His work continues to be celebrated by fans and collectors, ensuring his legacy endures.
-Robert Williston