Songwriter Terry Steele finds success in music, family, and faith

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Terry Steele, the songwriter behind Luther Vandross’s iconic love ballad, “Here and Now,” drew inspiration from his parents’ enduring love for the Grammy-winning ballad. Their connection influenced Steele to pen the lyrics at just 16.

“I get people coming up to me with tears in their eyes,” said Steele. “That was my wedding song… It taught me what love should be.”

His parents, Zenora and Terry Sr., were married for nearly 50 years. Their relationship not only inspired their son, but many others who have sang along to the popular love ballad.

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On top of that, Steele’s upbringing was steeped in music, faith and respect for military service, values instilled by his parents who raised their three children in church singing gospel.

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His family’s military background includes four uncles who served, with three fighting in the Vietnam War and one, Uncle Robert, losing his life in the bombing at Pearl Harbor.

Steele’s uncle William, a Vietnam veteran, remains a supportive presence, attending every performance and sharing a mutual respect with Steele.

“I’ve seen my mom and even when my grandmother was alive, experiencing that weight of losing a child, a brother… and so I don’t take that lightly,” Steele said. “Military service to our country is very important to my family.”

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Despite his success in the music industry, working with legends like Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick and Natalie Cole, and even growing up alongside the Jackson 5, Steele says he values his family connections above all.

He performs regularly in Los Angeles, where he maintains a close relationship with his 90-year-old mother, caring for her as she once cared for him.

“It’s a joy taking care of my mother because she took care of me,” he explained. “That’s life to me. That’s real.”

He also performs for special occasions, such as singing the national anthem for the 2025 Big Bay Boom special and fireworks show in San Diego.

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For Steele, true success lies in loving one’s family and friends, a sentiment echoed in his music and life.

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