Known as an inspirational speaker as well as a singer, songwriter and actor, Terron Brooks is a two-time NAACP Award nominee who’s releasing an album this fall as well as beginning a new podcast, “Honest Answers,” on Tuesday, May 18. Brooks is passionate about inspiring and motivating people from all ages and backgrounds to learn the art of defining success while living a balanced life. The podcast, “Honest Answers,” is, according to Brooks, a “space for discovery and inspiration.” He adds, “I wanted to create a platform where my guests, who are creative forces in the world, could have an opportunity to reveal parts of their story they never shared before. I believe we are strongest when we are honest.” The album, The Soul of Broadway, reimagines favorite Broadway songs, taking them out of the theater and bringing them to new audiences for everyday life.
Brooks has traveled the world, performing with Phil Collins, Matthew Morrison and national symphony orchestras. He is widely recognized for his role as Eddie Kendricks in the Emmy Award-winning NBC mini-series “The Temptations.” He is the recipient of an Ovation Award nomination for his role in Sweet Charity. He has also appeared on Broadway in Disney’s The Lion King and in Hairspray. His first book, Something GoOD on the Table: Practical Proverbs for the Soul was published in 2018.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) asks Terron Brooks (TB) Six Questions:
NLE: Your forthcoming new album, “The Soul of Broadway,” will “re-imagine” Broadway songs. How will you accomplish this? What’s the driving force of the new approach?
TB: We wanted to take these iconic songs from musicals and breathe a life into them aside from the characters they were written for. I had a vision of communicating the songs to a wider audience, putting a spotlight on lyrics that are so universal and inspiring. We were rebellious and free with our approach. I wanted to make the songs personal on a soul level. The driving force is making music that uplifts and can be a light in darker times. Broadway is known for telling stories. I wanted to weave mine in these songs.
NLE: Your new podcast, “Honest Answers” aims to have your guests share stories they’ve never revealed before. How did you decide on this theme/approach? Are folks ready to be so candid?
TB: I didn’t want the focus to be on the guests’ resume, what they do. I was intrigued by the concert of who the person is. I named it “Honest Answers” to encourage the guests to let down their guard and speak their truth. I think coming out of the year we’ve had, people are ready to share what they’ve learned about themselves and the world they have experienced with new eyes. I’m always on the journey of accepting who I am now and where I want to go. Takes honesty to do that.
NLE: How are you choosing the guests you’ll speak with during “Honest Answers?” Who’s on your must-have list?
TB: I initially just thought of close friends and creative forces I’ve admired and worked with in the past. I was surprised at the unanimous yeses I received! First season is mostly folks I have a relationship with so I could assess what might be interesting to ask. I’d love for next season to be guests I may not know so well. I knew I wanted a co-star from The Temptations Mini-series, and LEON being my first guest could not be more perfect. And having my great long-time friends, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Stephanie J Block, Michael Swanson, and Shoshana Bean was a joy!
NLE: You played Eddie Kendricks in “The Temptations” mini-series. What’s the most revealing thing you learned about him? What was your take-away about the man?
TB: Learning that Eddie was the conscience of the group was revealing because he’s noted to be the shy one. He was a force and a trailblazer. He cared about integrity and he was so well loved. While filming I realized how similar our demeanors were, and I drew strength from his quiet power. What an honor of a lifetime to portray the legendary Eddie Kendricks.
NLE: Your overall approach to life is to give back and motivate others. Who or what influenced you in developing this noble philosophy of life?
TB: It is more blessed to give than receive. My faith guides me to try to always to see the bigger picture. Not just my part. I realize I have a responsibility to the whole. I respect the God-given gift I was given enough to know it’s something I need to always share and not hoard for myself. And for the generation coming up, I want to share my experiences in hopes to inspire our future to be brighter. I love motivating others to find the greatness inside of them, as well as the personal peace it takes to go through the storms of life. My parents are givers. I saw it first hand. And I saw how happy it made them to be able to affect a life. I find that same happiness today.
NLE: We live in an often chaotic, unjust and troubled world. What’s your best advice to others regarding coping with the negative aspects of life? 
TB: My best advice is not to focus on the negative. Don’t highlight the lack or the loss. Gratitude is the key. Find a reason to be grateful. There are miracles happening around us every day if we choose to see them and embrace them. Live in a space of honesty and empathy. Life is never perfect, but we try and make the most of it. The sun will come out “Tomorrow.”
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