Terry Brennan began his lifelong love of music at a young age by playing in his father's band. He also played for various other groups and was performing in bars and jazz clubs throughout central Illinois by the age of twelve. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a M.S. in Music Education, Terry began teaching music at various high schools throughout Illinois. Terry has played in a variety groups throughout his life, and led his own band, the Terry Brennan Trio, for seventeen years. He is widely regarded as one of the best jazz keyboard players in central Illinois.
Interview Links
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Brennan’s life and musical career
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
Supplemental interview on Brennan’s travels overseas
Photos
Caption:
Playing at the Village Pump in Jacksonville, Illinois for a gig in 1964. Terry Brennan is at piano, A.B. “Pooch” Caldwell plays bass, and C.J. Everett is on drums. (Narrator’s photo)
Where:
Jacksonville, Illinois
When:
1964
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Terry Brennan playing at the high school prom at Jacksonville, Illinois sometime in the 1960s. Jon English, trombone; Terry Brennan, Hammond organ; A.B. “Pooch” Caldwell, bass; and, C.J. Everett, drums.
Where:
Jacksonville, Illinois
When:
1960's
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Terry Brennan playing “An Afternoon with Benny Goodman” at Decatur Celebration, in Decatur, Illinois in 2007.
Where:
Decatur, Illinois
When:
2007
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Playing “An Afternoon with Benny Goodman” at Decatur Celebration, in Decatur, Illinois in 2007. Jim Walter, Clarinet; Terry Brennan, piano; Andy Burtochi, bass; and John Sluzalis, drums.
Where:
Decatur, Illinois
When:
2007
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Terry Brennan’s band ‘Diversity’ playing a gig at the Inn at 864 in Springfield in 2007. Billy Rogers, vocals; Terry Brenna, piano; Rob Killam, bass; and John Sluzalis, drums.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
2007
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Terry Brennan and ‘Diversity’ playing at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, Illinois in 2009. Frank Parker, trumpet; Terry Brennan, piano; Rob Killam, bass; and John Sluzalis, drums.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
2009
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
‘Diversity’ plays a gig at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, Illinois in 2009. Terry Brennan, piano, and Rob Killam, bass.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
2009
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
The 'Dixie Daredevils' at the Central Illinois Jazz Festival in Decatur, Illinois in 2010. Front: Bill Schliff and Harlan Geiser. Back: Charlie Stokes, John Sluzalis, Tommy Gleason, John Miller, Terry Brennan, and Jim Walker.
Where:
Decatur, Illinois
When:
2010
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Terry Brennan is playing “An Afternoon with Benny Goodman” at Lock, Stock & Barrel, a jazz venue by Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois in the Fall of 2011. Jim Walker, clarinet; Terry Brennan, piano; Bill Schliff, bass; John Sluzalis, drums.
Where:
Decatur, Illinois
When:
2011
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo