Pat Terry to give concert in Elgin

Submitted by First Congregational

Singer and songwriter Pat Terry will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Friday, July 19, in the sanctuary of the First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago St. Opening for Terry will be Elgin’s own Fox River Trio.

When Terry takes the stage, he brings his history with him. Those who followed his music in the seventies and early eighties will recognize the songs that inspired young audiences, and blazed a trail for the new and rapidly growing Christian music genre. Others may recognize the country hits he wrote throughout the next two decades, just another step in Terry’s diverse musical journey.

The last 35 years have been quite a trip for a songwriter who credits The Beatles 1964 appearance on the Ed Sullivan show as the initial catalyst for his desire to make music. Six years after that British invasion, a newfound Christian faith added another layer to Terry’s creative direction, and was reflected in the work that followed.

Starting in 1973, Terry wrote and recorded six albums with his own Pat Terry Group, one of the pioneer groups of the first wave of the then fledgling contemporary Christian music genre. Several of his songs from that era became standards, including “Home Where I Belong,” which has been covered by a diverse list of artists from pop singer B.J. Thomas, to current gospel favorites, The Gaither Vocal Band.

The 1980s found Terry in a more rock-oriented mood. With legendary artist/producer Mark Heard behind the boards, he recorded three solo albums which redefined his sound and brought in a whole new generation of fans. Then in 1986, Terry took a hiatus from touring and turned all his attention to songwriting, which landed him squarely in the middle of Nashville’s music community.

From the 1990s to the present day, his songs, including three number one country hits, have been recorded by a variety of country superstars, including, Travis Tritt (“Help Me Hold On”), Tanya Tucker (“It’s A Little Too Late”), and Sammy Kershaw (“National Working Woman’s Holiday”). Other artists who have covered Terry’s songs include Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, John Anderson, Tracy Byrd, and Confederate Railroad.

Coming full circle, Terry has recently gone back to his singer/songwriter roots, releasing his own new CD titled “Laugh For A Million Years.” The 2009 album features 11 new songs, including his own version of “Someplace Green,” which was made popular by The Oak Ridge Boys.

Tickets for the Pat Terry concert are $5 which can be purchased at the door.