Terisa Griffin

The Empress of Soul 

Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas!

Ladies, you know how much I love to enjoy the experience in all endeavors, including music. Who doesn’t love music? The form of beauty that is presented with vocal and instrument sounds that can change any ordinary event to something extraordinary, and if it’s done correctly can set off any occasion.

Well, I have a treat for you; it’s all about the music in this ‘Special Edition’ of Club Fifty’s ‘Golden Diva Interview.’ I’m not talking about Julie Andrew’s music from the 1965 family musical ‘The Sound of Music’ either; I’m talking about ‘Grown Folks Music!’

Music that speaks to your spirit that reminds you of the most poignant emotional moments and memories of your lives. Golden Divas, you know what I am talking about, the beats, rhythms, and the storytelling that we thrive on to take us back down memory lane in a ‘Calgon State of Mind.’ I know you feel me, ladies!

I present to you a ‘Golden Diva Vocalist’, who has worked her craft to perfection, with her own signature style, with her soulful, sultry, and sexy voice and unparalleled performances. A woman who renders her heart so everyone else can feel her Soul’s depth in her concerts. This songbird melodiousness and harmoniousness sounds will have you reminiscing about your past or entice you to propel into your future.

Her soul and spirit are supreme, and it parlays through her enchanting music with her rich tone and innate musicality. It’s no wonder Chicago and the rest of the world can’t stop talking about her spellbinding performances. She captivates and holds the audience hostage with delight in an ambiance of wanting more of her music, with her compelling voice and unforgettable vocal sound. Her electrifying talent is also shown in her fantastic videos; which compliments her impressive storytelling.

I want to introduce to some and reacquaint to others, the multi-talented performer who exploded on the music scene as Diana Ross backup singer on The Oprah Winfrey Show, ‘The Empress of Soul’ Terisa Griffin.

If you don’t know about her, you better ask somebody, because Terisa Griffin is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

MEET TERISA GRIFFIN

Terisa Griffin affectionately called, “The Empress of Soul,” is an exciting entertainer, songwriter, actress, producer, and philanthropist. Terisa has been married to John S. Kendall Esq. for eight years. John was the Founder of Chicago 100 Black Men. Congressman Bobbie Rush married the duo; she was given away by Jerry Butler and Reverend Jessie Jackson Sr., said the prayer at the reception. Gene Chandler is her mentor, and her Honorary Mentor is Bernie Mac.

Griffin is the daughter of a Baptist minister and the second of four singing girls – her passion for family, music and giving back influence her life. She never disappoints or ceases to amaze her audience.

After being mentored by Chicago’s Own Jerry “Ice Man” Butler, Terisa landed national exposure singing backup for Diana Ross on an “Oprah” telecast. Through her production company, My Naked Soul Productions, Inc., Terisa wrote, produced, and stared in a series of “One Voice, One Woman” shows, and she has successfully produced three albums.

Terisa made her acting debut in Director Hill Harper’s movie “The Truth,” and wrote the title song for the film “Can’t Stop Loving You.”

Griffin’s newest CD, “Revival of Soul,” hits the stores on November 6th. It is a testament to ‘Soul Music.’ Griffin’s much-anticipated CD is sure to ignite a revival in the Soul of all who experiences sensual, soulful, sizzling cd. Known on the scene for her electrifying voice and dynamic live performances, Griffin has enraptured audiences and followers through her music internationally. Season 3 of NBC’s “The Voice,” a former contestant,” she is treating attendees to a live performance of her fourth studio album, “The Soul Revival.”

Through her production company, My Naked Soul Productions Inc., she has successfully written, produced, and starred in a series of one-woman show productions. These shows featured: One Voice, One Woman, Fantasy-A Tribute to the Divas of Song and Stage: Josephine Baker, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn, Queens of R & B- A Tribute to the Queens of Rhythm and Blues: Dinah Washington, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Donna Summers, and Tina Turner, and Songs Divas – A Tribute to Famous Song.

Audiences in her adopted home of Chicago and the city’s lucrative jingle industry are in a passionate love affair with the gifts she has to offer. She performs to both local and national venues around the country. With her unique style, Griffin has opened up concerts for the biggest names in music that includes: Will Downing, Crisette Michelle, The OʼJays, Roberta Flack, Patti LaBelle, Rahsaan Patterson, and Musiq Soul Child- to name a few.

“Life is too short of having regrets and too long not to try to pursue your hearts true dreams and desires.” This Louisiana native who moved to Chicago to pursue her heart’s dreams and desires keeps reinventing herself and truly surprising and satisfying her fan family. Terisa is an example of living your dreams at all costs.

“There is simply no emerging singer in the soul music world quite like Terisa Griffin.” Chris Resnik of Soul Tracks.

Although, Terisa has graced the stage with some of the nation’s greatest, her life journey and music inspired her to reach deeper into the lives of those she touched, which resulted in the creation of BETTER LOVE YOURSELF, Inc.

This non-profit organization was created in 2007 to develop the road map for young adults to master the art of loving and caring for themselves. Her dream is to fill the trunks of every inspired student who would like to attend college because “a mind is a terrible thing to waste,” and a dream is a pearl waiting to be defined. In 2016 Griffin celebrated ten years of giving out trunks to over 2500 students going off to college. When Terisa dreams, she truly dreams big and executes to the stars and back.

Terisaʼs ‘Revival of Soul Tour’ is coming to a city near you, and this is one concert you do not want to miss. Terisaʼs raw honesty, soulful, passionate voice, and heartfelt story will be like a refreshing cool drink for your thirsty Soul.

Golden Divas, before you read this dynamic interview with ‘The Empress of Soul’ check out her video that was dedicated to Aretha Franklin, “Oh Me Oh My.”

IN CONVERSATION WITH TERISA GRIFFIN

C50: Terisa, how did you get into the music business, and who inspired you to make music?

TG: I was born into a family of singers, and my grandma and my Dad were our teachers “per say” Because they taught us harmonies and songs in the car on the way to different churches. I moved to Chicago to become a part of the music industry. I met the icon Jerry ‘Ice Man’ Butler; he hired me after hearing me sing his song “Your Precious Love.” What a wonderful beginning.

C50: What is your genre of music, and describe your creative process?

TG: I don’t really care about genres, but most people would say R&B. I am an independent artist, so my writing process is honesty in my music no matter what. If it tells a good story or invokes a deep feeling, then I’m moving in the right direction creatively. I may hear a song in my head and heart and just grab my phone to record what I’m hearing in my head and work it out later in the studio.

C50: I know you have worked with famous musicians; however, who would you most like to collaborate with, and who do you admire?

TG: I’d love to collaborate with Terrence Blanchard & Earth Wind & Fire just once. I admire so many artists, but I truly admire Kenny Babyface Edmonds if we are talking about producers. Collaborating with Babyface would be awesome as well!

C50: You are a one-woman singing powerhouse, and you have produced three successful independent albums, with a fourth one on the way ‘The Soul Revival,’ Lady T; what is one message you would give to your fans with this new album?

TG: My message to my fans is never to stop, never give up on your love and dreams! I don’t put a CD out every year because I am growing and evolving. I want to give them a full cd experience, not just a cd full of songs with 1 or 2 that you really like. I like to deliver a musical soul journey, so when I ask my fans to listen and support my music, they travel on a spiritual high to a beautiful, emotional journey. In the words of Anita Baker, “Giving you the best that I’ve got.”

C50: Where have you performed, and what is your favorite song to perform?

TG: I have performed in several places in the world, but my experience in South Africa completed my life in such an amazing way. A journey to the land of my forefathers brought me a sense of peace and understanding. To hear my Beautiful African brothers and sisters sing, the words to my songs were humbling, and it ignited a firestorm in my heart. ️

C50: Terisa, you reached deep into young people’s lives with your non-profit organization ‘BETTER LOVE YOURSELF.’ Talk to C50 loyal readers about the goal behind this beautiful alliance.

TG: I just wanted a legacy that involved something greater than myself. Creating music is self-gratifyi

ng but creating an opportunity for someone else is more of the journey that human beings should excel in. Our life’s purpose must supersede our personal needs. This life we have is a gift that keeps giving to give life to a greater nation. The education of our youth must come in 3 forms; mental, emotional, & spiritual growth. In my organization, helping them with college supplies, giving those babies their fresh start with college essentials and pearls of knowledge is a greater purpose in life, and my living shall not be in vain!! That’s why I started my Not for Profit!

C50: How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business, and if you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

TG: The internet has placed the music industry in a tailspin, and like other businesses, the music industry is trying to catch up. Its a larger playing field for independent artists like myself, so I have the “Tyler Perry” mentality. Make your own Opportunities!

If I could change anything, it would be to stop the industry from assuming grown people don’t purchase music, so the music doesn’t represent a large portion of the market, but they don’t invest in grown artists. And that’s a shame!

C50: What is the best advice you’ve been given in your music career, and what was your career-changing moment?

TG: Bernie Mac told me to stay in this business and not allow it to consume you to always “Be yourself” and be honest with yourself!

I’ve had several career-changing moments and will continue to as long as there is breathe in my body! I’m still open to a major change, but one was when I sang background for Diana Ross on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and The Ultimate Diva Ms. Ross passed me the mic to end her song! I screamed with joy inside & outside.

C50: You did a tribute to Aretha Franklin, “Oh Me Oh My,” which was considered a Grammy nomination; tell us about that experience.

TG: Being Considered means someone wants you to be one of the nominees for a Grammy, and that’s a wow moment. It’s then an exciting process of introducing yourself to those who vote for the nominees and hoping they will listen to your work and vote for you! I’m just grateful for someone to submit MY WORK! Especially work that involved giving a tribute to our Music Queen, Ms. Franklin.

C50: You’re a multi-talented performer who branched out into acting. Tell us about your acting debut in Director Hill Harper’s movie ‘The Truth,’ and writing the title song, ‘Can’t’ Stop Loving You.’

TG: The role was written for me by the late Great Randy Crumpton, and I miss him so much. HillHarper had one meeting with me and said, yep, you will be just fine! It helped to give me true confidence that I could pull it off! The song was written years ago in honor of my Dad’s passing. Randy lost his Mom at a young age, and the song meant a lot to both of us, which inspired Randy and Hill to use it as the Title Track.

Bonus Question

C50: Terisa, your music has captivated not only Chicago but people internationally. Do you have any upcoming shows in the near future?

TG: Yes!! October 17th, I’m performing at what I’m calling “The Sweetest Day Car Concert” with my very great friend and international star comedian Adele Givens as Host!

In the Universal Entertainment Lot
111901 Loomis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60
5:30 pm Pre-Show featuring some of my Musician Friends
6 pm Start (No entry after 6 pm)
“Here’s To Life”
Terisa Griffin
www.terisagriffin.com
Mynakedsoulproductions@gmail.com
(773) 667-9608 office

C50: There you have it, ladies, the exciting entertainer, songwriter, actress, producer, and philanthropist, ‘The Empress of Soul’ Terisa Griffin.

The woman whose luminary light continues to shine throughout the world!
A special thanks go to ‘The Fly Guy’ Shelton Smith for connecting two ‘Golden Divas’ to bring the music and pen to Club Fifty!

Click on the sidebar to listen to her videos.