DMV native Terrence Cunningham got his start in the church as a young child, as do most singers, and got most of his early direction in music from family. From his humble beginnings watching his grandmother and great aunt, legendary blues guitarist Etta Baker collaborate on the banjo and guitar, respectively; he has blossomed into an exceptional performer in his own right. As a child he didn’t know how famous his great aunt was until he noticed some of her albums and later found out she had an international following.
Since his early introduction to music he has mastered several instruments including the drums and piano and his vocal range is uncanny; sort of a cross between John Legend and Prince – and yes, he can hit those high notes. His effortless ability to play the piano and command a room with his powerful voice is unmatched. For Cunningham, performing music is a “spiritual experience and very therapeutic.” Being on stage gives him a small escape from reality and in this escape he takes the audience along for the ride. His cover of Prince’s “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore” was magnificent on this night. He did not miss a note. He commanded the room and had the entire audience singing along as he played the piano, which was on point as well. If you ever get the luxury of seeing him perform ask him to perform this and hopefully he will oblige.
Though it may seem a bit cliché, Cunningham “really enjoys making good music because there is such an honesty behind it,” often times inspiring his audience. After one show in particular he recalls being approached by one of his fans who told him he really helped her get through a tough day. He explains, “she was on the verge of snapping on someone and then she remembered some of the lyrics of my song [Champion] and it inspired her to go another way.” Cunningham makes it a point to involve the audience in his show with call and response sequences and many audience members have thanked him for doing so because “it made me feel like I was a part of your show.”
He’s forever indebted to the DMV area supporters for “the things they have done for me and the opportunities they’ve afforded me.” For anyone trying to follow in his foots steps he encourages you to “really learn your craft,” from seeing this gentleman perform he knows of what he talks. Terrence has finished recording his album and is hoping to drop it late spring early summer and it will be available through iTunes, CD Baby, and various internet stores; there is also some touring in the works. In the meantime, you can catch this hidden (hopefully not for much longer) DMV star live every Wednesday at Layla Lounge. It will be more than well worth your time.
