Description
Salli C. Terri (September 3, 1922 - May 5, 1996) was a singer, arranger, recording artist, and song writer. She earned a B.A.
in Music from Wayne State University, and an M.A. in Music from the University of Southern California. She was married to
composer and director John Biggs for twenty-five years and had two daughters. The family performed medieval and Renaissance
music together as the John Biggs Consort. From 1950-1952 she taught music and English at the American School in Tokyo, Japan,
returned to the U.S. to teach music theory at Fullerton Junior College, and later directed a woman's choir and was a professor
of Music at UCLA. In 1951 2 she joined the Roger Wagner Chorale and appeared as a solo artist. She also made several solo
records, staged a one-woman show, and sang in film and television productions. This collection of choral music arranged by
or performed by Salli Terri represents Terri's eclectic musical interest of folk, religious music, love songs, and ballads.
The collection also reflects Salli Terri's deep interest in Shaker history and culture. The Shakers, also known as the United
Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, is a religious sect branched off from a Quaker community and founded in
the 18th century in England. The collection's clippings, periodicals, correspondence and magazines document Shaker culture
and highlight an American folk culture worthy of study.
Background
Salli C. Terri (September 3, 1922 -May 5, 1996) was a singer, arranger, recording artist, and song writer. She earned a B.A.
in Music from Wayne State University, and an M.A. in Music from the University of Southern California. She was married to
composer and director John Biggs for twenty-five years and had two daughters. The family performed medieval and Renaissance
music together as the John Biggs Consort. From 1950-1952 she taught music and English at the American School in Tokyo, Japan
and returned to the U.S. to teach music theory at Fullerton Junior College, and later directed a woman's choir and was a professor
of Music at UCLA. In 1951 she joined the Roger Wagner Chorale and appeared as a solo artist. She also made several solo records,
staged a one-woman show, and sang in film and television roles. This collection of choral music arranged by or performed by
Salli Terri represents Terri's eclectic musical interest of folk, religious music, love songs, and ballads.
Restrictions
The Salli Terri Choral Music Collection is the physical property of California
State University, Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, Special
Collections and Archives.