Terron Brooks discusses portraying Eddie Kendricks & continuing on the Path of Authenticity!
It is my greatest honor to introduce you to an amazing performer that I have admired for over twenty years, Terron Brooks. Terron is a singer, songwriter, and actor who began his professional theatre career with the National Tour of Grease as the Teen Angel.
He later made his Broadway debut in The Lion King (Simba) and went on to originate the role of Seaweed for the First National Tour of Hairspray before joining the Broadway cast. He is most well-known for his portrayal of Eddie Kendricks in the NBC Emmy award-winning Mini-Series, The Temptations, a series that I have watched hundreds of times and still get such enjoyment out of to this day. Terron has had the privilege of performing with amazing artists such as Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, David Foster, Randy Jackson, One Republic, and Smokey Robinson among many others. Terron has also found success as a producer, author, life coach, and motivational speaker.
It is always an honor to interview artists who have inspired me, and Terron fits that billing. He is a true master of his craft. I am so thrilled to have the chance to feature Mr. Terron Brooks!
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
I’ve been singing since I was 6 years old, but honestly, it wasn’t until 17 or 18 that I knew I wanted to actually pursue performing. I thought maybe I’d be a journalist, newscaster, or lawyer, but the arts called my name. Well, God did through the arts.
Are there any teachers or mentors in your life who truly helped you become the amazing performer you are today?
I had a mentor acting teacher, Ms. Stevi Meredith, in my performing arts school who saw something in me. I was pretty shy back then, and she inspired me to try and push harder to do what she saw I loved. There was a light, and she was a bridge along with many other peer performers I knew. There were agents and managers who also came alongside of me to help me see the possibilities if I applied myself and got out of my way.
And of course, there were the artists Luther Vandross, Babyface, Brian McKnight, The Winans, Commissioned, Tracy Chapman, James Taylor, and the list goes on who all influenced my sound, and gave me an example of how I wanted to touch people. I think I needed a reason behind myself and fame to pursue it.
We are living in some unprecedented times in the world. For all artists (especially actors) it is definitely a time of uncertainty. What has your everyday routine been like during Quarantine and what are some things you do to keep your spirits up?
Well, in these interesting times, I’ve been more creative than I imagined I could or would. I learned the piano. I’ve written so many songs. I got my home studio set up, started 2 online shows, produced a music video special, shot a holiday concert, and recorded a new single. My every day starts with grace though. I give myself a break. If I need to rest and do nothing, I don’t punish myself. I soak up every moment with my wife and kids. I make sure I exercise or go for a run to release stress.
Actually, trying to keep others’ spirits up does the reverse for me. As an artist and person foremost, I’m seeking out growth opportunities. I don’t want to come out of this time the same. There's lots of introspection and evaluation. True change always begins within. And I'm listening to music, lots of music which heals.
I have followed your career for many years ever since I saw you as Eddie Kendricks in the Temptations series. What did playing Eddie mean for you?
Having the opportunity to portray legend Eddie Kendricks was a game-changer. It was truly an honor and unexpected blessing that continues to shape me today. That gift of a role and project reminds me that what is for me no one and nothing can intercept. There are no limits. It meant that when I show up, whoever is looking for me will find me, and I’m enough. Every artist is trying to get to a place where they believe they are enough. I’ll cherish those memories creating that series forever, and the fans around the world keep me motivated to share more of my gift.
Terron as Eddie Kendricks w/ Leon as David Ruffin performing the Temptations Classic "You're My Everything" in The Temptations Mini-Series - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT2QI9GWwAQ
THE TEMPTATIONS JUST MY IMAGINATION THE MOVIE
THE TEMPTATIONS JUST MY IMAGINATION THE MOVIE
Are there any roles or performances you have done in your career that will always be near and dear to your heart?
I love that my Broadway debut was The Lion King where I was blessed to get to play Simba. Going on tour with Phil Collins is a highlight. Most recently, it’s my show I co-created called The Soul of Broadway that I’m most proud of. My team and I made a record of reimagined Broadway favorites, taken out of the musical context and interpreted in a more universal way. It has been such a great creative journey and I’m looking forward to bringing our show everywhere as soon as it’s safe. Our debut was about a year ago here in Hollywood at The Montalban Theater, and it was a night I’ll never forget. www.thesoulofbroadway.com
What advice would you give any young aspiring artists in these challenging times?
My advice would be to continue on the path of authenticity. Continue to grow and take risks outside of your comfort zones. Continue to define boundaries of what you will and will not do. Create your own opportunities so you’re not waiting for someone to discover you. Surround yourself with positive people who are more talented and smarter than you. Learn to listen because you don’t know everything. Always get back to the intention of why you are doing what you are doing. Remember, this is not a race. It’s a journey, so enjoy the stops along the way. Continue to ground yourself in gratitude. Lastly, take care of your spirit.
There is a power inside each of us. Learn to replenish, release, and realign that power. Again, never stop growing.
To learn more about Terron, make sure you visit his official website at - https://www.terronbrooksmusic.com