[1] Terran was in high school when he started working on live radio shows in Buffalo, New York.

Terran was the last surviving member of the Desi Arnaz Orchestra from the I Love Lucy television show.

[2][3] Terran performed and recorded with many artists including the Jackson 5, the 5th Dimension, the Mamas & the Papas, the Beach Boys, Harry Nilsson, the Bee Gees, Ray Charles, Neil Diamond, Chicago, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, Commodores, Perry Como, Bob Dylan,[4] Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett, Eartha Kitt, Peggy Lee,[5] Madonna (I'm Breathless), Dean Martin,[6] The Monkees,[7] Elvis Presley,[6] Bonnie Raitt (Takin' My Time), Linda Ronstadt,[6] Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Lou Rawls, Barbra Streisand, Baja Marimba Band, Tijuana Brass, the Carpenters, Tom Waits,[7] Ricky Nelson, Glen Campbell and Eric Burdon and the Animals.

The marriage produced another son David and daughters Eve and Jennifer; all the children were raised in the Mormon faith.

[9] Terran was known for mentoring new trumpet players and providing opportunities for watching his recording sessions and learning the business.