Terry Carisse

Legendary singer-songwriter, Terry Carisse began his career performing and singing in local Ottawa bands, eventually coming to wider notice as a singer-songwriter after collaborating with lyricist Bruce Rawlins.

His songs have been recorded by artists as diverse as The Mercey Brothers‘ (‘Hello Mom’, ‘Who Wrote the Words’, and ‘Kentucky Turn Your Back’), Carroll Baker, Marie Bottrell, Ralph Carlson, Patrick Norman, Nashville stars, Bill Anderson, Charlie Louvin, and international acts from Sweden and Australia.

His first recognition at the national level came as a member of Carroll Baker’s back-up band, Carisse made the jump to a solo career in the 1980s and quickly became one of Canada’s most successful country artists. He won three Big Country Awards for ‘Male Vocalist’, one for ‘Single of the Year’ and two for ‘Album of the Year’. He also took home a total seven CCMA Awards, including four for ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’. With his group, Tracks, with whom he toured throughout Canada, he took home a CCMA Award for ‘Best Backing Band’, after touring with acts including Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette.

Carisse’s hits include, ‘Time To Go’, ‘Sparkle In Her Eyes’, ‘All Her Letters’, ‘We Could Make Beautiful Music Together’, ‘Sweet Blue’, ‘Love Sweet Love’, ‘Start of Something New’ (duet with Tracey Brown), ‘None of the Feeling Is Gone’ (duet with Michelle Wright) and many others. His 1982 country/gospel album, ‘Terry Carisse & Friends – A Gospel Gathering’, featuring duet performances with Carroll Baker, Dallas Harms, Larry Mercey, Johnny Burke, Family Brown and others.

Carisse has been honoured with songwriting awards from BMI, PROCAN, SOCAN and the Canadian Music Publishers Association (CMPA). He was inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989.

Terry Carisse passed away on May 22, 2005 at the age of 62.