The Progressive Underground: Terry Dexter has a rhythm of resilience

On today’s 5-on-5, we dive into the world of Terry Dexter — a Detroit native, now Los Angeles-based musical powerhouse, whose journey speaks to the soul of the city. From a very young age, Dexter was captivated by music. Growing up in a family that embraced creative expression, she started singing in Detroit’s rich gospel circuit. Her influences included the legends — Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Whitney Houston — whose sounds inspired her to develop a voice that blends strength with sensitivity.

Dexter’s talent emerged early. By the time she was nine, she was fronting a local band, Tristar, gaining experience that laid the foundation for her career. As a teenager, she recorded with artists like Simply Red, sharpening her skills and immersing herself in Detroit’s vibrant music scene.

5 essential tracks by Terry Dexter

1. “Yeah”

Starting with her self-titled debut album, Dexter’s entrance into the industry was marked by a unique mix of gospel roots and contemporary R&B. Released by Warner Bros. in 1999, the song “Yeah” signaled her as a force to be reckoned with.

The release introduced audiences to her soulful vocal range and storytelling – a reflection of her Detroit upbringing and a nod to the Motown spirit that raised her.  The industry took note as Dexter would also become an in-demand vocalist on various other producer projects.

2. “Lay Me Down”

Dexter’s voice was later featured on “Lay Me Down” from Lost Change, a project by Black Eyed Peas producer and frontman Will.i.am. The 2001 album brought Dexter’s voice into hip-hop’s evolving landscape, showcasing her innate adaptability and passion for collaboration. The song explored themes of vulnerability and resilience, making it a standout tune on the eclectic album.

3. “Sister”

Dexter would release a sophomore album in 2008 called Listen, which represented one of her most personal works. Created in honor of her late mentor Sami McKinney, who introduced her to icons like Patti LaBelle, this masterwork was a healing journey for Dexter. The project’s soulful depth and poignant lyrics revealed her as an artist committed to creating music that uplifts and connects. The album’s track “Sister” is a testament to friendship, loss and resilience.

4. “No Maybe”

Having been raised in Detroit, Dexter was exposed to the city’s R&B-infused techno and house sound. It was just a matter of time before she would meld her soulful delivery over the driving beats of the house music genre, proving her versatility and connection to the house music tradition that also emerged from the city. “No Maybe” is one of her more recent deep house music selections, this time done in collaboration with producer Frankie Feliciano.

5. “With You (Reelsoul Vocal Mix)”

“With You” is her latest release, and another example of her Detroit deep house connection.

Dexter’s career is a testament to the power of versatility. In addition to her musical exploits, she is also an accomplished actress having acted in a range of film, television and theatrical/stage projects, most recently in the Lawrence Hilton Jacobs/Paula Jai Parker series, A House Divided (2019–2023). She is celebrated as a multi-faceted artist, whose achievements in R&B, film and theater reflect her resilience and adaptability.

Her artistry speaks to Detroit’s soul as a creator unbound by genre, whose work in music, film, and theater reflects resilience, authenticity, and a fearless commitment to self-expression. Her voice carries the rhythm of her hometown, blending its grit, history and hope.

If you dig artists who embody the spirit of true musical evolution, keep listening to The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening from 6-8 p.m. on 101.9 WDET-FM and wdet.org.