About Terisa Griffin

 

When you think of the true essence of timeless Soul, Jazz and other forms of adult music, music icons come to mind such as the beautiful velvet voices of Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Sarah Vaughn, and Luther Vandross. Rarely does one talent capture the epitome of various influences in their style and grace.

 

Terisa Griffin has re-designed an authentic blueprint of musical blends of modern Soul, Jazz, House and Inspirational music into her repertoire.A native of Monroe, Louisiana she has called Chicago, Illinois her adopted home for the past 18 years. Establishing a loyal fan base, the Louisiana born singer hails from a family entrenched deeply in music, with lasting roots within the church. Her singing siblings were never far from the influence of their dad, who happened to be a prominent Pastor in the community. Terisa reminisces, "Dad had perfect pitch and an ear for music; he taught us how to listen to each other’s voices and harmonize. He could keep the audience captivated and I learned how if you could control an audience's emotions...you could keep them captivated with drama and honesty.

 

”On a music scholarship as a student at Northeastern Louisiana University, she packed up her belongings and relocated to Chicago. "I started checking out the night club scene in Chicago and hounding the club owners to allow me to sing on one of their off nights. They took a chance on me where I sang with some of the known bands in the city, so their audience would get to know me and become a Terisa Griffin fan. I sang background vocals for music legend, Jerry Butler and in time, his large audience became my fans as well. This became my way of working in the music business." As Terisa's popularity grew on the musician and nightlife scene, so did her ability to land work for various advertising agencies recording jingles for popular commercials. Her strong and distinctive voice was quickly in demand as she gathered consistent commercial work. Along with paid gigs, this helped her financially fund and build her own independent music company, My Naked Soul Productions.

 

In 1998 she released her first EP, Songbird as an introduction of original and cover works showcasing her amazing vocal skills. Having captured the attention of media and entertainment icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Diana Ross and the late comedian/actor, Bernie Mac; Songbird became a hit indie seller with local independent music retailers. Her first full length release didn't arrive until seven years later, My Naked Soul, showcasing the singer's talents as both a songwriter and producer. “I remember when people first heard My Naked Soul and they would stand back with reservations and say 'Oh, I wonder if this will work'. I didn't care because it was my music in a very "naked" form and extremely pure. It was a reminder of what just pure Soul was about."Many House music lovers were introduced to Terisa's style through two great club remixes from My Naked Soul, "Sunshine" and "Wonderful" both songs remixed by internationally acclaimed DJs and producers, Terry Hunter (T’s Box) and Kenny Dope (Masters At Work).

Traveling abroad, the success of My Naked Soul opened up tremendous opportunities for the singer, while acquiring an international fan base. In the summer of 2011, Terisa released her sophomore double-disc, Soulzophrenic ‘Personalities of Soul'; R&B and Dance releases. Griffin explains, “Soulzophrenic ‘Personalities of Soul’ is about love unapologetically being laid out there. A raw look at love when you fall and 'You are never leaving!' to 'Damn it, I am gone!' to ' I just love me!' to ' I love life!' It is all the personalities of love, and even my playful side. Again it was created through some wonderful collaborative moments with some great producers. I let others in this time while maintaining creative control. It's important that I didn't lose my base audience.

 

"Working with a distinguished set of producers and songwriters, Soulzophrenic showcases various musical styles that you rarely see with today’s recording artists. Griffin’s performance, and style, on her latest release is often described as “timeless” and “glamorous”. Capturing her unique love and appreciation for Jazz is felt through musician favorites “Simply Beautiful" and “Over and Over", to soulful and sultry songs “You Got Me" and “The Night I Fell in Love".

Terisa elaborates with producer Terry Hunter on the song "This Time I'll be Sweeter". The song was a very feminine way of apologizing but with a flirty and sassy attitude. The song also makes you want to dance with your partner and forget that you really want to slap them. Finally, "What About You" has the preservation of self like "Better Love Yourself" off of My Naked Soul, but it shows that I am at a different place in my life. I’m crying about it but asking and challenging my listeners to yet love themselves inside and out because I do.

 

"Never one to let down her dance music followers, Soulzophrenic Dance premieres vocal heavy, House club bangers from notable Grammy award producers Maurice Joshua and Mike Dunn among others. Building from past work and current projects, such as appearing in the independent short film The Truth, she has added 'acting' to her amazing list of gifts. Directed by Hill Harper, the film showcases a stellar cast of talent which includes a small but significant role for her. "It gave me a different challenge that I hope to experience more in life. Acting is soulful and exposing but food for your soul." said Griffin.

From producing her one-woman shows, managing a music program for Chicago high school students, traveling around the world performing, acting, and songwriting and producing projects between her incredibly busy schedules...what else is in store for this dynamic, soulful diva? "I am always conscious about how I can help others and give back to my community. One of my true passions is my charitable 501c3 organization, Better Love Yourself NFP. We help students build self-esteem, share pearls of knowledge, and provide a footlocker of necessities for first-time college freshmen. This helps parents to ease the cost of purchasing items for school.

 

"There are so many wonderful multi-faceted personalities of Terisa Griffin that allows you into her 'unadulterated' rawness, honesty and whimsical world. Terisa is focusing on a CD of her favorite covers and acoustic songs from her celebrated catalog. We are all waiting in anxious anticipation for her next release. What keeps her motivated to motivate others? She simply states, "Know that “no” in this business is like the earth...it must move and when it does, it will create a place for your star to shine."