Terry Carter

Photography by Michael Teaford

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Terry Carter was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, grew up in Dallas, Texas, and moved back to Michigan as an adult.

Terry enjoys most all forms of music, but bluegrass is his favorite. "I like the simplicity of folk music, played by everyday folks. There's not a lot of pretense to the music. There is so much diversity of styles and genres within the genre that it is never boring. Besides, it beats the heck out of golf!"

During his teenage years he took up the harmonica and became quite an accomplished harpist. At age 30 he took up the mandolin, fiddle and guitar. His first musical mentor was the late great fiddler from the west Michigan area, Larry Williams. "I and many other musicians from the area owe a huge debt of thanks to Larry and his family, who make up The Williams Family Bluegrass Band, for their gentlemanly example of how to make good music and just be good people."

Being from the south, Terry learned to appreciate southern gospel harmonies. "Learning to sing and play in bluegrass jams seems to be the best all around hobby because I always have a good time playing music. I've always wanted to be in a band that emphasizes good technical singing, and I almost gave up on finding a band to play with, until I got the call from a friend who was looking for a fiddler. I joined "Patchwork" in the summer of 2003 and it's really been a lot of fun. We work harder on vocals than any other group I have been with. I love the whole process of creating music and performing with the guys in the band."