''Exclusive Interview'' for Celinedionforum.com

[Shamrock_1982]

Interview for www.celinedionforum.com

 

 

He was born in Montgomery, Alabama and brought up in Orlando, Florida….. and got interested in music from an early age, when he began banging on the family piano. It was his grandmother, who suggested he have piano lessons, and she also introduced him to singing. And by the age of 9 years old, he was directing gospel choirs at local churches.

After graduating from High School, he went to Los Angeles to help out a friend put together a Christian choir named ‘’Spirit’’. When the choir had formed, they went on to record an album, and the producer of this album was Stevie Wonder. Stevie seen something in him, and then introduced him, to Barbra Streisand’s vocal coach.

 

Then came his big break.....

 

He auditioned for the CBS reality talent show ‘’Star Search’’ in 1990, and went on to win as the best male vocalist. Following this success, he then found himself in the years that followed, being backup vocalist for artists; Whitney Houston, Lionel Ritchie, Elton John and Patti Labelle. He has even toured with Cher, and The Eurythmics. And other projects included voiceover work on the television show ‘’Rugrats’’, and soundtrack work on films; ‘’The Lion King’’, ‘’Made In America’’ and ‘’What’s Love Got To Do With It’’ to name a few. He has also appeared on various television shows with different artists over the years like, Oprah, The Tonight Show, and the Billboard/American Music Awards.

 

He finally went on to release his first album ‘’Bradford’’ in 1998, and has brought out a further three albums since then, and has toured the U.S with his own show.

Today he has his own record label/concert production company, and most recently brought out the live album ‘’In Concert At The Napa Valley’’ which include the songs; ‘’You Raise Me Up’’, and ‘’Love Can Move Mountains’’.

 

Fans of this forum will know him for being Celine’s backing vocalist for five years back in the 90’s, and for being her duet partner on tour, when performing the Disney classic ‘’Beauty And The Beast’’.

 

He is the incredibly talented and remarkable, Terry Bradford....

 

 

****************************************

 

 

Darren: Hi Terry, how are you?

 

Terry: I'm wonderful and excited to talk with you.

 

Darren: Terry first of all, I want to wish you a Happy New Year, and thank you for taking the time, to talk to me today, and for giving our forum another exclusive interview….. it’s a real honour.

 

Terry: It's great to connect with all of Celine's fans, of which I am one. Happy New Year everyone!

 

Darren: From what I understand, you seem to have been driven musically from a very young age, and come from a musical family. You’re father played the piano, and you’re grandmother was president of the church choir. But am I right in thinking that if it wasn’t for your grandmother, that you might not be where you are today.... as she was the one who pushed you to take music lessons, and practice alot?

 

Terry: I was 3 years old when Granny asked me if I wanted to learn to play piano - I said "Yes!" Right away, she started me playing piano and singing every day that we were together.

 

Darren: Who would you say was you’re idol, musical or otherwise growing up, and what was it about them, that made you look up to them so much?

 

Terry: As a kid, my idols were hard working people who loved to help others: Granny, my voice teacher Evelyn Ochs, and the man who owned the appliance store and gave as many appliances as he could to the poor. Musically, being an old soul, I found myself gravitating towards artists with a strong emotional component in their work: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Earth Wind and Fire, and many more.

 

Darren: Apparently it was Stevie Wonder who inspired you, and made you realise that you wanted a career in the music business, having met him all those years ago in Los Angeles. Could you please tell me more about this meeting, and what exactly was it that made you realise that this is what you wanted to do with your life....

 

Terry: When I first met Stevie Wonder at his studio in Hollywood, I just stood and stared between words. I was so in awe of his talent. I still am. I already knew what I wanted to do in life. It was being with and working with someone of his creative magnitude and great work ethic that taught me how to make a life out of what I love.

 

Darren: You’re world changed forever after winning ‘’ Star Search’’. As one minute you were a contestant on the show, and the next, you were a backup singer for some of today’s biggest music stars, touring the world with them, and appearing on movie soundtracks.... How were you coping with all of this at the time, it must have been overwhelming, tiring, exciting and rewarding all at the same time, a bit of an emotional rollercoaster I would think?

 

Terry: It was exciting and scary at the same time. Scary because so many people that I didn't know approached me as if I should know them because they saw me on TV. Being shy I had to learn how to handle the celebrity. But working with all those great artists was exciting.

 

Darren: You are extremely gifted....not only are you a singer, but you can also direct a choir, play the piano, write songs, run your own record label, you sing in any genre but you can also sing in 6 other languages, which is amazing. But what do you enjoy doing most now a days, and why?

 

Terry: I enjoy doing all those things you just listed. I love changing things up and keeping it fresh and the music business allows me to do that.

 

Darren: After all the years, of doing studio work, commercials, recording soundtracks, and being a backing vocalist for other artists, what is it like to finally have your own albums, dvds and merchandise, and to go on the road and perform for your own fans?

 

Terry: I love people and I love people loving me so I'm having the best time ever!

 

Darren: Fans on the forum obviously know you for being one of Celine’s backup singers in the mid to late 90’s. How did that come about?

 

Terry: Celine's management contacted me and asked me if I would consider doing "Beauty And The Beast" with her on tour. I, of course, jumped at the opportunity. Who wouldn't want to sing with someone with a voice like hers?

 

Darren: You performed and toured with Celine over the space of 5 years.... have you any memories that stick out in your mind, during you’re time with her?

 

Terry: My most memorable, of course, is when we recorded the show in Memphis. First of all, Celine and I doing the duet was extra fun with all the cameras swinging around us. Then, off camera, Celine and I had some more fun singing songs with the choir that we used for the taping.

 

Darren: Can you remember any of the songs, that you all sang together?

 

Terry: Yeah, one of the songs that I can remember us singing was ‘’Oh Happy Day’’.

 

Darren: Like you said, you shared a special moment with Celine every night on tour, when you both sang ‘’Beauty And The Beast’’....but what is it actually like to sing/duet with Celine, in front of so many fans?

 

Terry: Each time we sang "Beauty And The Beast" it was like the first time. Celine has so much love to give. Being the recipient of that love and being able to share my love for her, with her is indescribable. Those moments were extremely special and the audience could feel it.

 

Darren: As well as singing Beauty And The Beast, you also sang Love Can Move Mountains on tour, and you still sing it in your shows today.... has this song a special meaning to you, to be still performing it 10/11 years later?

 

Terry: I believe wholeheartedly in love and its ability to change the world. "Love Can Move Mountains" reaffirms that for me.

 

Darren: I have listened to your album ‘’In Concert At The Napa Valley‘’ which I found to be very uplifting with a positive message throughout, but very emotional at the same time. And I love you’re version of ‘’Lean On Me’’ it’s incredible..... but what was it like to choose certain songs and record them for this album, and do you have a favourite on there?

 

Terry: Choosing songs was easy. I just picked songs that had special meaning in my life and, for that reason, they are all my favorites.

 

Darren: Can you name 5 albums/artists that you currently play in your car/home or that are on you’re iPod?

 

Terry: Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Maroon 5, John Mayer, and Ray Charles.

 

Darren: What do you think of Celine’s music since returning to the music business in 2002?

 

Terry: Celine Dion is amazing! She can do no wrong in my book.

 

Darren: Do you miss performing with her?

Maybe one day in the future you could invite her as a special guest, next time you are on the road, to duet at one of your shows….

 

Terry: Of course I miss performing with her. Who knows, maybe one day when both our schedules permit you'll see us together again.

 

Darren: How would you best describe Celine?

 

Terry: Celine is like the people I looked up to as a kid. She's hard-working and she loves to help others. She's also like the musical celebrities that I admire. Her artistry has a strong emotional component. I feel her when she sings. I feel her when she speaks to me. I don't think anyone could pick a better artist to be devoted to.

 

Darren: And finally, what can we expect next from Terry Bradford?

 

Terry: You can expect me to record lots more CDs and to continue touring.

 

Darren: Terry again, I cannot thank you enough, for giving me this amazing opportunity of interviewing you today......and I’m sure the other fans on the forum, appreciate it also!

 

Thanks again, and all the very best for the future, take care....

 

Terry: Thank you Darren, and to all Celine's fans, thank you for being a wonderful part of my life!

 

 

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Exclusive Interview with Terry Bradford.

January 25th 2010. ( www.celinedionforum.com ) – Ire23.

[angelil78]

Niiiiice, lucky !! thanx for that:)

[ladylindsey]

amazing! Thank you, Darren for that! Wonderful questions! He can sing in 6 languages?!?! Wow.

 

about Céline- "I don't think anyone could pick a better artist to be devoted to." awww so true!

 

Thanks again!

[stevo]

Thank you Darren! That was ace I love Terry he is just part of '90s Celine' and their duet on BATB in Memphis is a classic performance

[Claudette]

Cool! Thanks Darren! He has very good taste in music...

[davidjag79]

Wow!! Thanks for sharing Darren! Great interview A+++ That is exactly how i feel when i listen to Celine! =)

 

 

J'adore Celine!

[QueenCeline]

Thanks Darren!!!

[CD4ever]

Thank you Darren! Amazing inteview

[Shamrock_1982]

Thanks guys, I'm just glad you like it....

 

I just want to say a huge thanks to Terry and his Manager Mary, who have been amazing, and extremely kind, and for agreeing to this..... thanks to you both!

 

Darren.

[Shaun]

Good stuff as always Darren.

 

[Peppercorn1991]

Thankyou so much darren for this, it was a great interview! thankyou! should we be expecting more great interviews like this

 

kev

[Shamrock_1982]

Thankyou so much darren for this, it was a great interview! thankyou! should we be expecting more great interviews like this

 

kev

 

hmmmm.... maybe lol.

 

Darren.

[I Love You]

Thank You so much Darren, for the interview.

[Miha]

Thank you Darren!

I appreciate your efforts to surprise us over and over again.

Nice to hear Mr. Bradford after so many years. ...Wish him all the best in the future.

Great job for the interview!

How the hell did you get him?!? Do you work for CIA or KGB lol?!?

[Dion1st]

 

We are always so focused on Celine that it's interesting to read about the backgrounds of her band/backup singers. I agree with his comment of how it was and is evident to the audience of the wonderful rapport between Celine and her band/b-up singers onstage. Working with Celine was a stepping stone for his own career and its very nice to hear just how much he still respects and loves her to this day.

Thank you Darren! This is terrific.

 

Toni

[celinedream]

My fav part too: I don't think anyone could pick a better artist to be devoted to

 

Thanks Darren!

[Nmj]

Nice

[Matias]

amazing interview and the best was it wasn't all involving celine, but we also see how talented he is!!!

thanks darren!!!

[Krys]

nice interview. thank you so much Darren

[dovey15]

great interview, very interesting!! thanks Darren!!!

[alvaap24]

My fav part too: I don't think anyone could pick a better artist to be devoted to

 

Thanks Darren!

 

I agree with you Jime!

 

Thanks Darren!

[JustMe60600]

thank you

[ashleylovesceline]

Awesome interview, Darren! Thanks!!

 

Terry seems like such an awesome guy, very interesting to know his story and what he's been up to since touring with Céline. I love how everyone that works with her always has the utmost respect and love for her. She really is the best!

[Celine_fanatic]

wow! thank you darren! and thanks to terry too! wow...

[Matej]

Amazing interview. Thank you Darren!

[celinefanonline]

thank u Darren!!! but u know i thought we would get something really gossip lol like how or why he was replaced by Barnev Valsaint

but anyway it's a good interview thanks!

[Snowhite]

Thank you very much!!You are very smart I wish you one day to interview Celine as well!

[Claudette]

I would love an interview with Celine, but something funny and silly for a change. You know, asking her questions about everyday suff... that will be very cool! Edited January 26, 2010 at 01:01 PM by Claudette

[nano]

Thanks Darren for the interview!!

[Lawna]

Amazing! I wondered what Terry was up to these days...haha, he went MIA, but I guess my focus was completely on Celine, I didn't realize he was recording music still!

 

 

haha...just visited his site...and guess who...lmao Celine is the first video clip on his page

Edited January 26, 2010 at 03:09 PM by Lawna