Terry Ellis

Founder of Chrysalis Records; Former Chairman of the Recording Industry Association of America; Author of "Backstage Pass"

New York, NY, USA
Live Event: $20,000 - $30,000 Virtual Event: $20,000 - $30,000 More Fee Info
Author, European Heritage, Music, Performing Arts
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Terry Ellis Biography

Terry Ellis is a renowned British music industry executive best known as the co-founder of Chrysalis Records, a groundbreaking independent label that helped define the sound of rock and pop in the 1970s and 1980s. Alongside partner Chris Wright, Ellis launched Chrysalis in 1968, originally as an offshoot of their management company, and quickly gained recognition for signing and nurturing a roster of influential artists. Under his leadership, Chrysalis became home to legendary acts such as Jethro Tull, Procol Harum, Blondie, and Billy Idol, among others. Ellis was instrumental in shaping the careers of these artists, often taking an active role in production and creative direction, particularly with Jethro Tull, whose albums he produced and guided to international success.

Known for his keen ear and innovative approach to artist development, Ellis helped redefine the relationship between record labels and musicians, championing creative freedom at a time when the industry was largely dominated by major labels. In the 1980s, he relocated to the United States and continued his work as a producer and music entrepreneur.

Beyond his contributions to rock and pop, Ellis also made significant inroads into music publishing and multimedia ventures, maintaining a lasting impact on the global music landscape. His legacy is marked by his dedication to artistic excellence and his role in building Chrysalis into one of the most influential independent labels in modern music history.

Ellis discovered his passion for the music industry while studying science at Newcastle University in the northeast of England, booking bands into his Student Union on Saturday nights. When writing a pop music column for his college newspaper, his attempt to interview Bob Dylan was filmed for D.A. Pennebaker's film "Don't Look Back." After graduating, Ellis worked with Michael Jeffrey, a Newcastle club owner and manager of The Animals and Jimi Hendrix. Subsequently, Ellis developed one of the most successful track records in contemporary music for discovering and developing the commercial potential of young musicians. Today, Ellis remains active in the music industry, playing a key role in the formation and development of the Chrysalis Rock Orchestra, a forty-piece orchestra playing the great compositions of the rock era.

He was elected Chairman of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for a two-year term and remains the only non-American to hold this office. He has also held the Chairmanship of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and served for five years as a member of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

Ellis and his French wife, Daniele, live in the British Virgin Islands and New York. He is a member of the Metropolitan Opera Club of New York City and has served on its board of directors. As Chairman of the BPI in 1990, Ellis was responsible for establishing the BRIT School of Performing Arts in Croydon, Surrey, funded by the British Recording Industry Trust. Ellis's book, "Backstage Pass," is forthcoming.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/18/2025.

Terry Ellis Speaking Topics

  • The American Dream – Is It Still Alive and Well?

    The Music Industry – yesterday and today.

    In the latter part of the last century, the grandson of a coalminer from the north-east corner of England became one of the United States most successful music industry entrepreneurs ever.

    Could it happen today?

    How does the music industry actually work – is it all sex, drugs and rock n’roll?

    Or is that really only one narrow, often sensationalized part of a much more complex, business-driven ecosystem?

    In the last sixty years, pop and rock music has traveled from being a trendsetter in popular culture to the sad caricature of itself that we see today.

    How did that happen?

    Before the year 2000, record companies were the driving force behind the development of music and artists, today they are irrelevant.

    Why?

Terry Ellis Videos

Terry Ellis - 2014 Music Summit

Terry Ellis - 2014 Music Summit

Today's Music Business: Terry Ellis

Chrysalis Rock Orchestra Showcase 2022

Chrysalis Rock Orchestra Showcase 2022

Chrysalis Rock Orchestra's first full orchestra performance took place at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College in New York City on September 21st,...

See All Videos »

  • How do I book Terry Ellis to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Terry Ellis

    Speaking fees for Terry Ellis, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Terry Ellis are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $20,000 - $30,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Terry Ellis, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

  • What topics does Terry Ellis speak about?

    Terry Ellis is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, European Heritage, Music, Performing Arts

  • Where does Terry Ellis travel from?

    Terry Ellis generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Terry Ellis for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Terry Ellis for your next private or corporate function.

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Terry Ellis is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The American Dream – Is It Still Alive and Well?. The estimated speaking fee range to book Terry Ellis for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Terry Ellis generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Yuval Sharon, Nathalie Joachim, Maisie Peters, Lane Gardner and Ari O'Neal. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Terry Ellis for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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