11 Facts About Thelma Terry

Thelma Terry led Terry and Her Playboys and was the first American woman to lead a notable jazz orchestra as an instrumentalist.

Thelma Terry moved with her mother and two sisters to Chicago, where her mother was employed as a servant for the wealthy Runner family.

When young Thelma was given the opportunity to receive musical training with the instrument of her choice, she chose to study string bass.

Thelma Terry played bass and sang at Colosimo's, sometimes on live radio.

Thelma Terry disbanded the Playboys and quit MCA to marry Haar and settle in Savannah.

Thelma Terry married Willie Haar in 1929 and had a daughter, Patti, in 1931.

Thelma Terry divorced Haar in 1936 and tried to make a comeback in Chicago.

Thelma Terry sold her string bass, turned her back on the music profession, and took a job as a knitting instructor.

Thelma Terry spent her last years with Patti and her family in her native Michigan.

Thelma Terry died of esophageal cancer at the age of 64 on May 30,1966.

Thelma Terry recorded six songs: four in Chicago with Gene Krupa on drums, and two in New York City, all in 1928.