Award-winning songwriter, producer, bassist, and recording artist Terry McCarter Jr. has built a career defined by faith, family, and fearless musical evolution. Raised in a deeply musical household, he began performing at a young age alongside his father, gospel artist Terry McCarter Sr., traveling nationwide and ministering in churches. Together with his brother, Jeremy McCarter, he was intentionally immersed in live performance early—opening concerts, competing in talent showcases, and refining his craft before ever stepping into the mainstream spotlight.
Rooted in gospel but drawn to the textures of R&B and contemporary soul, McCarter Jr. developed a distinctive songwriting voice that soon extended beyond the church walls. He and his brother began writing and producing for artists across Alabama and neighboring states, building a reputation for polished musicianship and emotionally resonant production. That reputation reached Grammy Award–winning producer Harvey Mason Jr., who invited them to Los Angeles in 2010. In 2011, McCarter signed with Harvey Mason Media, collaborating with Mason and the renowned production team The Underdogs during a transformative five-year tenure.
Since then, McCarter Jr. has expanded his artistry across film, multimedia, and solo performance. His bass-driven jazz albums—including Bass’ed on Love, What Really Matters, and 2025’s Everything That I Am—showcase his versatility, while his latest single, “No Hesitation,” signals a bold new chapter. With a forthcoming jazz project, From My Soul, on the horizon, Terry McCarter Jr. continues to bridge gospel roots, jazz sophistication, and R&B soul into music that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
- You grew up traveling the country performing with your father, Terry McCarter Sr.. How did those early church stages shape not just your musicianship, but your sense of purpose as an artist?
Terry McCarter Jr.: Growing up on the road with my Dad wasn’t just musical training; it was spiritual too. Church stages taught me that music isn’t about applause, it’s really about impact. I learned early that when you play from a sincere place, you can shift atmospheres and touch hearts in ways words alone can’t. Musically, those experiences sharpened my ear and discipline. You don’t get do-overs in church; you have to be ready. But beyond skill, it gave me purpose. Those early years showed me how songs could bring healing, hope, and restoration to people. Even now, whether I’m producing, writing, or performing, I carry that same mindset. The goal is always touch people through the music.
- Performing alongside your brother Jeremy McCarter from such a young age created a unique musical bond. How has that brotherhood influenced the way you approach collaboration today?
Terry McCarter Jr.: Playing with my Brother from a young age built something that can’t really be taught, musical intuition. We learned to communicate without speaking. A look, a chord change, a key change, even now, whenever we perform together, we just know. That kind of connection teaches you how to listen beyond yourself. It teaches real discipline in music. My Brother and I were born and trained under the same musical teachings, our Dad. Because of that, I approach collaboration with humility and awareness. It’s not about dominating a record. It’s about serving the song and creating space for everyone to bring their best. Brotherhood taught me that great music comes through teamwork. When artists feel safe, they create freely. That’s something I value in every session I walk into.
- Opening for gospel legends like Marvin Sapp and John P. Kee early in your career must have been formative. What lessons from those experiences still guide you?
Terry McCarter Jr.: Opening for those guys taught me excellence at a high level. I watched how they carried themselves before they ever touched the stage. The discipline, the humility, the preparation. That stuck with me but it was also the same thing my Father would show me. I also learned that longevity is built on consistency and integrity. Those men weren’t just powerful vocally; they were intentional about the message. Seeing that up close made me understand that artistry is stewardship. If you’re given a platform, honor God and honor your gift by being prepared, professional, and spiritually grounded. That lesson still guides me. Whether I’m in a small or a large room, I approach it with the same respect.
- Your music has always blended gospel roots with strong R&B influences. At what point did you consciously decide that your sound would live at that intersection?
Terry McCarter Jr.: Honestly, it wasn’t one specific moment — it was an evolution. Gospel is in my DNA; it’s the root. That foundation will never leave me. But I also grew up loving R&B, Jazz, and soul music. I think as I have gotten older and more mature, so has my musical creativity. I love to make music about love because today, that’s what’s most important to me. The love I try to show others daily, but also the love I receive from my Family, friends, and even fans. Jazz has a cool way of bringing that out of me creatively.
- Being invited to Los Angeles by Harvey Mason Jr. was a pivotal turning point. What was the biggest mindset shift required when you transitioned from regional success to working on a national and global level?
Terry McCarter Jr.: The biggest shift was understanding that talent gets you in the room, but mindset keeps you there. In Los Angeles, everyone is gifted, but if you are willing to keep learning and check your ego at the door, the sky is the limit. Teamwork becomes your greatest asset, and mentorship is priceless. I also had to expand my vision. Regional success can feel big, and it is, but Hollywood is a different type of success. You’re working with the best in the world. That required sharpening my craft, protecting my focus, and staying spiritually grounded. It confirmed that growth requires courage and real humility.
- During your time with Harvey Mason Media, collaborating with The Underdogs, how did your songwriting process evolve?
Terry McCarter Jr.: My time with Harvey Mason Media and working alongside The Underdogs stretched me creatively in ways I’ll always be grateful for. Writing and producing with those guys was always a great time, but it was also like being a part of a daily masterclass. I learned structure, creating melody first and then writing, and how to build records that translate globally. I began thinking beyond a great verse or hook and started focusing on the full listening experience — how the song feels from the first note to the last. It also sharpened my ability to collaborate at a high level.
- You’ve written for major artists and worked with elite collaborators. How do you balance writing for someone else’s voice versus creating music that feels deeply personal to you?
Terry McCarter Jr.: When I’m writing for another artist, my first job is to listen. It’s really about what they want to say and the story they want to tell. It’s about stepping into their perspective and helping them articulate something authentic. When I’m creating for myself, it’s more introspective. I lean into what I’m actually feeling. But really, both processes require honesty. Whether it’s my voice or someone else’s, the audience can tell when something is forced. The balance comes from understanding identity. I know who I am as an artist. That clarity allows me to serve others creatively without losing myself in the process
- Attending the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Underdog Entertainment during Grammy Week in 2026 felt like a full-circle moment. What did that experience reveal to you about your journey and longevity in this industry?
Terry McCarter Jr.: That moment was deeply reflective for me. Standing in that room during Grammy Week, looking around at the legacy that’s been built — it reminded me that this journey is about endurance. It showed me that longevity isn’t about chasing moments; it’s about building value over time. Relationships, integrity, consistency, those things truly matter. Personally, it affirmed that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. The journey from church stages to global stages didn’t happen overnight. It took faith, preparation, and patience. That night wasn’t just a celebration of 25 years — it was a reminder that I’m building something meant to last.
- Faith and family are clearly central to your story. How do you ensure that industry success never eclipses your spiritual foundation?
Terry McCarter Jr.: To be honest, I don’t measure my life by industry success. Success to me is alignment, being in God’s will, and being present for my family. Music is what I do, but faith is who I am. That order matters. When I start my day grounded spiritually, everything else stays in perspective. Placements, awards, recognition, those are blessings, but they’re not identity. My family keeps me centered. They remind me of why I create in the first place. No amount of accomplishments could ever replace the peace that comes from being spiritually anchored and emotionally present at home. That foundation is what allows me to navigate the industry without being consumed by it.
- You co-created and produced the soundtrack for “The Fly Christian Couple On Air” with your wife, Tanya. How has marriage influenced your creativity and your definition of success?
Terry McCarter Jr.: My marriage truly changed my life. Collaborating with my wife showed me that legacy is built through partnership. When your marriage is strong, your creativity flows from a healthier, more grounded place. Tanya is incredibly creative, and she constantly pushes both herself and me to strive for excellence. She is an amazing woman, mother, and business partner. Building together has redefined success for me because none of this truly means anything without her.
- Your song “God Did It,” recorded by Sanchez Tanniehill, was part of a season of major recognition. Do you see awards as affirmation, responsibility, or something else entirely?
Terry McCarter Jr.: I see awards as affirmation, but more than that, as responsibility. Affirmation because it lets you know the work resonated. But responsibility raises the standard. It challenges you to stay disciplined, stay creative, and stay humble. “God Did It” represents a season of gratitude for me. Being recognized by the NAACP is very encouraging, but it doesn’t define the mission. If anything, it reminds me to steward the gift well and keep creating from a place of purpose.
- Your debut jazz project Bass’ed on Love, introduced many listeners to you as a bass-driven solo artist. What do you feel the bass allows you to express that other instruments cannot?
Terry McCarter Jr.: There’s been a personal connection between me and the bass guitar ever since I was 13. It’s not just an instrument to me, it’s a part of who I am. So much of my writing and creativity has started on my Bass guitar. Not sure if I could live without it.
- Albums like What Really Matters and Everything That I Am each feel like personal statements. How would you describe the emotional evolution from those projects to where you are now?
Terry McCarter Jr.: What Really Matters was a transitional project for me. You can hear the exploration in the music. It moved between soul, R&B, and jazz as I was finding my sound. Everything That I Am was much more personal. During that time, I experienced two major losses just two days apart. My stepmother and my uncle. That season changed me. It forced me to slow down, reflect, and really examine what matters beyond the music. My Uncle, Bishop Robert McCarter, was my Pastor, so when you hear records like “My Roots,” it makes sense why I wanted to keep a piece of him with me.
- Jazz can be both technical and deeply spiritual. How do you balance precision with vulnerability in your playing?
Terry McCarter Jr.: For me, precision comes from discipline, but vulnerability comes from experience and life. So when I play, I don’t just focus on being technically sound; I focus on what feels good. Jazz gives me space to do that. Music in general allows me to be precise and free at the same time.
- Your latest single, “No Hesitation,” is described as a soulful blend of smooth jazz and R&B. What does the title represent in your current season of life?
Terry McCarter Jr.: In this season of my life, “No Hesitation” represents my confidence. I’ve reached a place where I fully know who I am, not just as a musician, but as a man, a husband, and a father. Its really just about going after everything that God has for me with No Hesitation.
- Was there a specific moment or feeling that sparked the creation of “No Hesitation”?
Terry McCarter Jr.: Yes, there was. As 2025 came to a close, I found myself reflecting on everything I wanted to accomplish, not just musically, but also personally and spiritually. I wanted to attack my goals with no hesitation, and that concept kinda stuck once I started creating.
- Sonically, what sets “No Hesitation” apart from your previous jazz releases?
Terry McCarter Jr.: “No Hesitation” is truly a smooth jazz record at its core, but what sets it apart from my previous releases is the intention behind the sound. I wanted to create a warm, nostalgic old-school ’90s R&B sound and blend it with contemporary smooth jazz. I was going for a smoother sound on this record. I think I have achieved that.
- When listeners hear this single for the first time, what do you hope they feel within the first 30 seconds?
Terry McCarter Jr.: Just a dope groove, something that makes them feel good. That’s what it does for me.
- Your upcoming album “From My Soul” suggests something deeply personal and unfiltered. In what ways will this project reveal sides of you that audiences haven’t yet seen?
Terry McCarter Jr.: “From my Soul” will be exactly what the title is, music from my soul. I want to display the gift that God has given me: writing, producing, bass playing, and arranging, all of it. More importantly, I want people to feel good when they hear it.
- Looking ahead to mid-2026 and beyond, what legacy are you intentionally building – not just as a bassist or producer – but as Terry McCarter Jr., the man behind the music?
Terry McCarter Jr.: Looking ahead to mid-2026 and beyond, I’m intentionally building a legacy that goes far beyond music. I want to be remembered not just for the records I created, but for the integrity, I carried, the faith I stood on, and the impact I had on people. I’m building something my 3 children and my Wife can be proud of. I want my journey to show that I honored God and my Gift.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
Terry McCarter Jr – YouTube Catalog
https://youtube.com/channel/UCKJxpXWCCfeUYQ_dVbPBWhg?si=Yjnlh7iCpEMkMiU_
Terry McCarter Jr – Apple Music Catalog
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/terry-mccarter-jr/1524179096
Terry McCarter Jr – Spotify Catalog
https://open.spotify.com/artist/20pP0OYb186xPkOEvZU9eh?si=YSgwPusITiGCNsvPaNY_VA
