Thelma Terry

Thelma Terry (born Thelma Esther Combes; September 30, 1901 – May 30, 1966) was an American bandleader and bassist during the 1920s and 1930s. She led Terry and Her Playboys and was the first American woman to lead a notable jazz orchestra as an instrumentalist.

Early life Terry was born in Bangor, Michigan in 1901. Her parents divorced when she was very young. She 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. Her early years were spent on the road performing in Chautauqua assemblies. After graduating from Austin Union High School, she earned first chair in the Chicago Women's Symphony Orchestra. with a young Gene Krupa on drums. Terry disbanded the Playboys and quit MCA to marry Haar and settle in Savannah.

Later life Terry married Willie Haar in 1929 and had a daughter, Patti, in 1931. She divorced Haar in 1936 and tried to make a comeback in Chicago.

Chicago: "Mama's Gone, Goodbye" "Lady of Havana" (2 takes) "The Voice of Southland" "Starlight and Tulips"

New York: "When Sweet Susie Goes Steppin' By" "Dusky Stevedore"