Terry Manning was a multifaceted American artist whose extensive career spanned over five decades. Renowned as a recording engineer, record producer, musician, and photographer, Manning collaborated with a diverse array of artists, leaving an indelible mark on the music and art industries.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Terry Manning was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on December 29, 1947, and spent his formative years in El Paso, Texas. It was here that he began his journey into the music world, playing guitar and singing with local bands. Notably, he performed alongside Bobby Fuller, known for the hit “I Fought the Law,” and led a local band called the Wild Ones. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in music.
Transition to Memphis and Stax Records
In his teenage years, Manning relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, a city with a rich musical heritage. His association with Stax Records began when he approached the studio unannounced at age 15, guitar in hand, seeking work. With the support of Steve Cropper, guitarist for Booker T. & the MG’s, and Stax publicity director Deanie Parker, Manning started by copying tapes and performing various tasks. This humble beginning evolved into a significant role at Stax, where he worked as an engineer and producer.
Engineering and Production Career
Terry Manning’s technical expertise and creative vision led him to work with a plethora of artists across various genres. At Stax Records and later at Ardent Studios, he engineered and mixed recordings for legends such as Isaac Hayes, Ike & Tina Turner, Booker T. & the MG’s, Al Green, Otis Redding, and the Staple Singers. He played a pivotal role in the production of the Staple Singers’ hits, including “Heavy Makes You Happy,” “Respect Yourself,” and “I’ll Take You There.”
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Manning’s collaboration with British guitarist Jimmy Page began in 1966 during a U.S. tour by the Yardbirds. Their shared appreciation for Delta blues fostered a friendship that led Page to seek Manning’s engineering skills for the final mixing of Led Zeppelin III. When the initial album cover failed to credit Manning’s contribution, Page insisted on reprinting to acknowledge his work, a gesture that significantly boosted Manning’s career.
Beyond his work with Stax artists and Led Zeppelin, Terry Manning’s engineering and production credits include collaborations with Joe Cocker, James Taylor, Leon Russell, ZZ Top, Lenny Kravitz, Shakira, and many others. His versatility allowed him to navigate seamlessly between rock, soul, pop, and blues genres, contributing to numerous iconic recordings.
Solo Musical Endeavors
In 1970, Terry Manning released his solo album, Home Sweet Home, on Stax’s Enterprise label. The album showcased his multifaceted talent, blending rock and soul influences. In subsequent years, he continued to create and release music, including West Texas Skyline: A Tribute to Bobby Fuller (2013), Heaven Knows (2015), Planets (2016), and Playin’ in Elvis’ House (2019), recorded in Elvis Presley’s first home in Memphis. His final album, Red and Black, was released in January 2025.
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Terry Manning’s Photography Career
Parallel to his musical pursuits, Manning had a profound passion for photography. Mentored by renowned photographer William Eggleston, he developed a keen eye for evocative urban landscapes and candid portraits. Manning’s portfolio includes photographs of musical icons such as Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Dusty Springfield. Notably, he captured images of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 3, 1968, the day before King’s assassination, providing some of the last photographs of the civil rights leader.
His photographic works have been exhibited in various galleries, and he authored books including Scientific Evidence of Life on Earth During Two Millennia and Cuba Despues Del Tiempo Especial, Antes De Los Americanos. These publications reflect his diverse interests and commitment to documenting cultural and historical moments.
Later Years and Personal Life
In the mid-1980s, Terry Manning moved to London, working at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios. In 1992, he relocated to Nassau, Bahamas, partnering with Chris Blackwell to operate Compass Point Studios, which he managed for over two decades. His wife, Sherrie Manning, passed away from cancer in 2013. In 2017, he married Janet Brunton and returned to El Paso, Texas. Manning was an avid marathon runner, competing in events like the New York Marathon, and achieved a national ranking in racquetball. He also earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and History.
Legacy
Terry Manning’s contributions to music and photography have left an enduring legacy. His technical prowess and artistic sensibility enriched the works of countless musicians, while his photographs captured pivotal moments and figures in cultural history.
Terry Manning died on March 25, 2025, following an fall at home, aged 77.
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