Terry Lee Hardesty was born in Massillon, Ohio on August 27 in the mid 1950’s. Terry’s family moved to Muscle Shoals, Alabama when he was almost 2 years old. They stayed in Alabama a bit more than 7 years. Somewhere around age 2, Terry’s Mom bought him a Mickey Mouse “crank” guitar which played a tune when you turned the crank. Mom (and others) soon discovered that Terry could pick out a tune on the strings of that guitar without turning the crank! Early on it became very apparent to his family that Terry was gifted. That gift flowed through every aspect of Terry’s life in the form of music. Mom bought Terry his first real guitar at age 3. An acoustic guitar that cost less than $5.
Terry’s Great Grandfather, Lee Corbin Leander, (a full-blooded Cherokee Indian) died when Terry was only 6 years old, yet he influenced Terry a lot. Terry’s basic instincts and survival skills can be traced directly through his amazing family’s legacy.
When Terry was about 9, his family moved to Quincy, Washington from their home in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Terry’s Grandpa and Great Grandfather obtained employment with the construction of many hydro projects (dams) on the Columbia River. Terry went to elementary school in Quincy, then Soap Lake and finally in Wenatchee. Terry attended classes at Wenatchee High School in the early 1970s.
While in the 5th Grade, Terry obtained his first electric guitar and amplifier. Terry’s family used to regularly play at, and visit, a club called, “Saturday Jane’s Tavern”. Terry’s Great Grandpa played the fiddle and Terry’s Grandpa played the guitar. Both influenced Terry in his early life. Terry’s family knew Steve Berry, and his band, whom gave Terry some pointers. This is all it took for Terry to go to the next level of his artistic endeavors.
Terry went to school in Wenatchee, Washington from the 6th through 11th grades. Terry had his own radio show and his own television show
while still in school!
A few interesting traits in Terry’s early life clarify
the attitude of this great man;
Everything Mom would give Terry (such as toys, food, clothes, etc.), Terry would promptly give it to someone who (he claimed), “needed it more”. Whenever Mom would let Terry play outside (as a very young boy), the majority of time he would “disappear” only to be found later usually without the things he went outside with (such as toys, food, and clothes). Yes, Mom clearly states that the feeling is undescribable to continually find your child without the clothes, food and toys he left home with! While at Wenatchee High, if Terry was not at school, it was a known fact he was probably at the local music store.
Terry Lee Hardesty formed his first band while attending Orchard Junior High School in Wenatchee. That band’s name was, “Heat Wave”. By the time Terry was in the 11th grade, it was very obvious that music had been and would always be his “major” degree of study.
In fact, it was so obvious to everyone in Terry’s life that music was Terry and Terry was music, that the principle of Wenatchee High School sent Terry’s Mom a letter stating that it was Wenatchee High School’s opinion and position that Terry should leave school to pursue his only dream in life . . . . . music.
In the summer of 1973, Terry’s Mom (a certified gourmet chef) was living in Anchorage, Alaska and working at a club called, “The Gas Light”. She successfully persuaded the manager of the club to give her son (and his Wenatchee band, “Heat Wave”) the opportunity to audition at the famous club. The band needed to perform the audition live and had to travel the long route to Anchorage from Wenathcee. Heat Wave got the gig!
Terry Lee Hardesty (at age 17, along with his band Heat Wave) became the house band at the famous club. They played 5 nights a week throughout the summer. After the summer ended, Heat Wave members moved back to Wenatchee leaving Terry in Anchorage where he stayed for many more exciting years!
While in Alaska, many famous people became familiar with the legendary Terry Lee Hardesty. Terry’s Mom continued to work at the Gas Light and has many, many wonderful stories of old.
Once, Terry’s Mom came into her kitchen to find a man eating from one of the plates ready for a guest. When she hollered at him, it was discovered that this “man” was none other than Willie Nelson himself!
On another occasion, Terry was playing music on stage when his Mom noticed cops, body guards and lots of people standing around one table. It was discovered that Robert Redford had occupied the lead table in front of the stage and was not only enjoying a great meal but was also enjoying the high quality sounds being produced by Terry Lee Hardesty.
Lots of famous people performed in the Pines Club and nearly every one of them met Terry and was impressed with him. Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Johnny Paycheck and Hank Williams Jr. are on the list of Terry’s friends. Hank Jr. came in one night and used Terry’s guitar for a few songs on stage.
After many years in Anchorage, Terry’s professional career soared to the next level when, in 1986, he moved to Las Vegas. Terry performed in Nevada with artists such as Merle Haggard and Johnny Paycheck. In 1996, Terry Lee Hardesty performed at the Red Boot Saloon-Oasis Casino in Mesquite, Nevada. This performance was recorded and later released as the, “Lover’s Moon” CD. Terry lived and played in the big city lights for 10 years before moving back to Washington state in 1996.
Terry now makes music from a cabin in the secluded North Cascade Mountains. Terry has become one with his surroundings, better understanding this complicated world in which we now live. Eagles, bears, wolves and other friends and family are the influence in Terry’s life today. Terry’s spirit is strong and his life filled with love and happiness. Terry’s honesty and commitment are his foundations for life.
Terry's fast-living country-politan past is present in his music; but so is a gentle serenity that mirrors his current surroundings.
Terry Hardesty has played and recorded with Merle Haggard. They co-wrote the song "Winds of Change" which is on Merle Haggard's album "1996". Merle and Terry are good friends and fellow musical legends.
Terry’s life is reflected in the eyes of his beautiful wife, Linda. Terry and Linda Hardesty were joined in marriage July 4, 1986, at Seward, Alaska. They were married outdoors next to a waterfall. Terry and Linda’s love today is obvious to those fortunate enough to be a part of this great legend’s life. Terry’s honesty, sense of humor and philosophy represent the life and times of this great man. Always considerate to the needs of others first is, “Terry’s way”.
Terry Lee Hardesty has stepped into the 21st Century in a very big way. New songs, new times and a strong passion for life will propel Terry beyond his already legendary status. Terry’s songs are inspirational and can be heard by visiting www.TerryHardesty.com. Terry Lee Hardesty and his Eagle River Band have upcoming concerts and other tour dates in which you can witness for yourself the unique song-writing abilities and performance character of this amazing man!
It is highly recommended that you keep one ear to the ground as Terry’s last ten years (and more) of song writing and performing will be accumulated into a high definition audio experience to be released soon in concert, on DVD and on CD!