Chicago native Terry Henderson, Founder and Artist Manager at TwelveThirty Entertainment is a creative, educator, and producer — and he is just getting started. With an impressive background in opera, composition, and teaching, Henderson also holds a Master of Science in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University, giving him qualities that make the perfect recipe for an artist manager. He currently manages acts including Issadora Ava, Boy Maj, iToldLexi, Lex Cole through his company.
Known for his perseverance and resilience, throughout his journey and achievements, it hasn’t always been easy for Henderson. On December 30th, 2006, Terry’s brother, Johnny “Chadd,” was in a terrible car crash that took his life. Struck by the loss of his best friend and role model, thirteen-year-old Terry channeled that energy and began composing beautiful music as a means of composing himself. And in those moments between the notes, an idea was born, and TwelveThirty Entertainment was created.
Additionally, as a person of color who works in arts, music, and business, Henderson continuously operates in predominantly white spaces. “There have been many instances where, regrettably, I am judged, misidentified, and labeled by the way I look rather than my experience, talent, or knowledge. The age-old saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ cuts deep for me,” says Henderson. “As a Black man and a Black creative, striving for excellence and a well-deserved seat at the table where people like me are usually stepped on or over is essential to my purpose.”
Henderson is well on his way to becoming a prominent figure in the music and entertainment industry. The singer, composer, conductor, and entrepreneur Terry M. Henderson II began his musical journey at six, singing in Uniting Voices Of Chicago, formally Chicago Children’s Choir. His twelve-year tenure there allowed Terry to visit and perform all over the country, in over eight countries and sing in more than twenty different languages. With this, Henderson also became proficient in the violin and piano through private instruction.
Terry can be credited with The Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Ravinia Festival, Bobby McFerrin, and the Joffrey Ballet, to name a few. Henderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree from the DePaul University School of Music, focusing on voice (opera) and composition. Terry also holds a Master of Science in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University.
Terry is currently the Music Director at St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield, the 5th largest Catholic Parish in the country. He also teaches private voice and contemporary music through the conservatory program at Merit School of Music. While making his mark on the music and artist community, he is also running his startup artist management and media production company, TwelveThirty Entertainment, after his late brother, who died in a car accident on December 30th, 2006.
In the summer of 2017, Terry made his opera conducting debut with the Floating Opera Company. In the words of Terry, “There is no better way to connect and express oneself than being creative.”
