Terrana developed an interest in music at a young age, forming a band with his twin brother, Ralph, and a friend when he was ten years old.
Terrana later received a degree in electronic engineering, which provided him with a technical foundation for his career in music production.
[1] At age 23, Motown hired Terrana on the spot after his interview in 1966, and he began to develop his audio engineering skills.
He quickly gained the trust of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, and rose to become the label's chief recording engineer.
During his 18 years at Motown, Terrana recorded numerous artists, including Diana Ross, The Supremes, The Jackson 5, and Stevie Wonder.