EP 81: Breaking Barriers, One Beat at a Time with Terri Lyne Carrington

What does it take to break barriers in jazz? On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with the incomparable Terri Lyne Carrington—a four-time Grammy-winning drummer, composer, and educator who’s reshaping the future of jazz.

From receiving a full scholarship to Berklee at just 11 years old to sharing the stage with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Esperanza Spalding, Terri’s journey is nothing short of legendary. We talk about the moment she got her first big gig with Clark Terry, how her father and grandfather shaped her musical path, and why she felt called to return to Berklee as a professor and the founder of the Jazz and Gender Justice Institute.

Terri opens up about the challenges women face in jazz, the toxic masculinity she’s working to dismantle, and her vision for a more inclusive industry. Plus, we break down the stories behind "Respected Destroyer" and "Wind Flower", dive into her creative process, and get a sneak peek at her new album.

And for my Cleveland listeners—Terri is coming to town soon! She shares what to expect from her live performance and why this tour is so special. Don’t miss this powerful conversation. Hit subscribe and join me on The Jazz Flyte Podcast!