Terry Hunter
October 2007
by Terry Matthew | Published October 2007 | 5 Magazine DJ Series Archives | Audio Archives

From old school flyers to DVDs, his name is synonymous with House Music in this city through the last two decades. He's one of the most respected producers and DJs in the world, and his popularity cuts across not only hip-hop and House, but also (and maybe even more amazing) from one end of the city to the other, from the people in the basement of the barber shop groovin' to small speakers to the swank crowd at upscale clubs.

And for this issue of 5 Magazine, the legendary Terry Hunter not only sat for an interview with singer Terisa Griffin, but has blessed us with a mix for the latest installment of the 5 Magazine DJ Series, on the streets in CDs and available for listening online at 5chicago.com/djseries.

Terry was the subject of our May 2006 cover story; rather than repeat his history here, let's get right to the good stuff. We asked him how he breaks a new record among a crowd more favorable to classics. Education starts now:

"When I was coming up and Frankie and Ron Hardy were DJing, they played a record three or four times a night.

"Let's take 'Wonderful'. I said 'I'm going to make you all love this record.' So I start out with 'Wonderful'. Then I give them three or four classics, and then I hit them with 'Wonderful' again. They're saying, 'Well, okay...'

"I play five or six more classics. Then I hit them with 'Wonderful' again. By the time I leave that party, they know that record. Now you can go to any bar or club on the southside, and that record is a hit."

Check out our October 2007 issue for more from Terry Hunter in the interview we conducted with him and his collaborator, vocalist Terisa Griffin, and visit him on the web at myspace.com/terryhunter.