Kinston High graduate Terrance White wins first GMA Dove Award

Kinston High School graduate Terrance White has earned his first GMA Dove Award for his work as a producer on Red Worship’s “Live at Redemption Church,” bringing national recognition to a musical journey that began in Kinston.

The album won Gospel Worship Album of the Year at the 57th annual GMA Dove Awards, held Oct. 6 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The Gospel Music Association lists White, Adale Jackson and Elijah Humphries as the album’s producers.

White, a 1998 Kinston High graduate and founder and CEO of WHME Group, credits his hometown with helping develop the musical foundation that led to his career in music production and entertainment leadership.

“My musical journey began in Kinston, from playing keyboards at Johnson Piano and Organs as a young boy to developing my gifts through local churches, school music programs, and the Kinston Community Youth Mass Choir,” White wrote in an email.

Those early experiences included learning to play piano while attending Bynum Elementary School. Reflecting on his childhood, White recalled performing for a school tribute honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

“I remember playing the piano for a Martin Luther King Tribute at Bynum,” White wrote. “Fond memories and rich heritage in Kinston.”

After high school, White attended North Carolina Central University, where he studied under fellow Kinston native Dr. Ira Wiggins. He later built a career that combined music production with entertainment leadership.

In sharing news of the award, White emphasized the hometown educators, mentors and community members who helped shape his path.

“I’m reaching out to share a special hometown milestone that I believe would be of interest to the Kinston community.”