Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Crossen. He shared his story with us below:
T.W. Crossen is a four-time Artists Music Guild Heritage Award winner with the most recent awards being Songwriter of The Year in 2017, 2018, and again in 2019. Born and raised in South Central Ontario-Canada, that is only where his story begins. Terry was raised in a blue-collar, middle-class family with 3 siblings. His musical interest began in 7th grade with his first instrument, the clarinet. Terry played in concert and marching bands throughout their high school years and began an interest in storytelling that was encouraged by his high school English teacher. His interest in telling stories transposed itself within his musical talents and Terry taught himself how to play the guitar so that he could set his stories to music.
After completing school, Terry began a law enforcement career, while continuing to create stories through music. Terry’s years in law enforcement exposed him to the struggles and challenges of victims of violent crimes. His compassion poured itself into the songs he creates and he began to write and perform for Victim’s Rights groups in Florida and Ontario to raise public awareness on issues such as child abuse and human trafficking. Although never his intention to be a sole voice for victims, Terry has begun to value the key role he can play in bringing support to these social issues and impacting change.
Terry’s work with these groups opened up a door to his ability to write songs that told the stories of others’ struggles, joys, loves lost, and loves gained. He has the ability to step into their souls and tell their stories in a unique and passionate way that grabs you by the heart. Of course, there is the usual drinking song that makes you smile, laugh and tap your feet to the rhythm of his acoustic guitar and catching lyrics.
Inspirations come to Terry every day whether he expects it or not, that is what is so powerful about his music.
Pictures, conversations, moments between strangers, friends, and loved ones, and just his plain ole imagination inspire the soul-catching songs he creates. Thanks to the digital world and social media, Terry has created a fan base that spans both sides of the border between the U.S. and Canada. Count yourself one of the lucky ones if you have had a moment of time to hear one of his songs that tells your story.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To me, the challenge has always been to create thought-provoking songs that can deal with very sensitive issues in a tasteful non-offensive manner. Have the listener walk away and say wow!!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work as an Investigator with the Florida Attorney General’s Office as part of the Senior Protection Team. That being said my passion is and has always been songwriting and chasing that special song.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
I give credit to my music teacher Barry Bevvan for introducing me to music and encouraging me to chase my passion.
I also credit my high school English teacher Mrs. McCarthey who loved my short stories and encouraged me to keep writing. They really don’t know how much of an impact they had on my life.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.crossen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOdGA68XJSU
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/twcrossenmusic-com/tijuana-rain-mp3/comment-1803182629
- Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/twcrossen3
