Birthday: November 8 Height: 6’3″
Loves Chocolate, Old Movies (especially Citizen Kane),
Working out, Golf, All Cleveland Ohio Sports Teams,
Traveling music: everything from Jimmy Rogers to Jimmy Hendricks
Born in Cambridge, Ohio to Tom, and Norma Goffee and raised in the nearby rural community of Byesville, my early years were an amalgam of normal childhood joys, activities, dreams and concerns interspersed with lengthy periods of solitude and silent contemplation. The eldest of three children, perhaps the greatest pleasures were found in the frequent visits to the farm of my Grandparents. Music was always present in our home. Two cousins played guitar while my aunt played piano and sang in the church. In addition, an uncle formed a band and, when in town, would play his guitar and sing all afternoon at my Grandparent’s farm. Occasionally, I would take an old broom handle (my guitar) and a tin can (microphone) and accompany him or, during special events, give a solo performance. Music became my life’s goal and filled the majority of each day. I began to listen and practice every conceivable style and format with an intensity and fervency found only in youth, becoming proficient at an early age. In 1979, I was residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida pursuing a career in country music. As lead singer of a very successful country band, it would seem that I would achieve the desires of my heart and reach those goals which had been established so many years ago. What some would call an epiphany would however change the direction of my career and my dreams forever. I spent a great deal of time reading and studying the Bible and it had a profound effect on my life. I left the band and devoted the next 18 years of my life to sharing God’s good news of salvation through Jesus Christ in churches, nursing homes, auditoriums, theatres, campgrounds, etc. I logged hundreds of thousands of miles over the years and met many pastors, singers, songwriters, musicians and laypersons that I still count among my friends today. Together we saw lives changed and hearts and bodies healed. I still have many opportunities each year to share the message of hope, peace and love through my Gospel music concerts and albums. Eventually, I came full circle and began to mix some country music shows in with the gospel concerts. Most recently we have put together a tribute show to one of my musical heroes and influences, Johnny Cash.
A bio such as this can succeed only in delivering cold, hard facts. To really discover who a person is one must examine the totality of their life and work.
Terry Lee Goffee